Photo Flash: First Look at NATIVE SON, Now Playing at Court Theatre

Due to early ticket demand, Court Theatre and American Blues Theater have extended the world premiere of American Blues Ensemble Member Nambi E. Kelley's new adaptation of Richard Wright's classic novel, Native Son, directed by Seret Scott. Native Son will now run through October 19, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Richard Wright's iconic novel about oppression, freedom, and justice comes to life on stage in this ground-breaking, world premiere adaptation. Suffocating in rat-infested poverty on the South Side of Chicago in the 1930s, 20-year-old Bigger Thomas struggles to find a place for himself in a world whose prejudice has shut him out. After taking a job in a wealthy man's house, Bigger unwittingly unleashes a series of events that violently and irrevocably seal his fate. Adapted with theatrical ingenuity by Chicago's own Nambi E. Kelley, and co-produced with American Blues Theater, this Native Son captures the power of Richard Wright's novel for a whole new generation.

"We are thrilled to open our 60th Anniversary Season with a world premiere adaptation of Richard Wright's classic novel Native Son, co-produced with American Blues Theater," says Artistic Director Charles Newell. "While the novel was written almost 75 years ago, its subject matter is all too timely in 2014 and relevant to the Chicago of today. Bringing this important story to a modern audience has been at the heart of the unique collaboration between Court and American Blues Theater."

Native Son features Jeff Blim (Jan/Pressman), Tracey N. Bonner (Bessie/Vera), Shanesia Davis (Hannah), Joe Dempsey (Britten), Nora Fiffer (Mary), Jerod Haynes (Bigger), James Leaming (Mr. Dalton), Eric Lynch (Black Rat),Tosin Morohunfola (Gus), Carmen Roman (Mrs. Dalton), and Edgar Miguel Sanchez (Buddy).

The creative team includes Nambi E. Kelley (Playwright), Seret Scott (Director), Regina Garcia (Scenic Designer), Melissa Torchia (Costume Designer), Marc Stubblefield (Lighting Designer), and Joshua Horvath (Sound Designer).

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow