Crossroads Theatre Co Presents CommonGround: Festival of the People

The Tony Award® winning Crossroads Theatre Company presents the annual CommonGround: Festival of the People June 19-25. The festival provides a unique opportunity for Crossroads to share its stage with local community organizations in the spirit of discovering and sharing our "common ground."

"This Festival allows Crossroads to further connect with various groups in the community and share their passions and stories with our Crossroads' family," says Executive Director Marshall Jones, III. "The programming is diverse and we look forward to bringing this work to our stage."

The Little Clay Cart Presented by Epic Actors' Workshop & South Asian Theater Festival and Crossroads Theatre Company
Sunday, June 19th at 3:00pm
The Little Clay Cart is a romantic comedy adapted from ancient Sanskrit theatre for the modern day American audience, performed in English. This production is inspired by a desire to wed elements of conventional Balinese mask work with those of the ancient Sanskrit theatre, particularly kutiyattam (an acting style recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity)- in a way that is accessible and appealing to those unfamiliar with South Asian theatrical traditions. A universal story of desire, jealousy and the determination for true love- The Little Clay Cart has been produced in Bollywood film, the BBC, and most recently in a production at NJPAC.

Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress. A benefit STAGE READING presented by PROJECT1VOICE and Crossroads Theatre Company
Monday Jun 20, 2011 at 8:00pm
Crossroads is one of seventeen African American theatres to participate in a national benefit staged play reading on Monday, June 20, 2011 of Alice Childress' Trouble in Mind- the inaugural event of PROJECT1VOICE: 1 VOICE 1 PLAY 1 DAY.
Trouble in Mind is a powerful comedy/drama about not compromising artistic integrity. This play within a play follows the journey of an integrated cast in 1957 as they embark upon rehearsals for a racially-charged play. Today's audience will marvel at how insightful and fresh the play remains. Trouble in Mind is directed by Petronia Paley ("Mama" in Crossroads' recent A Raisin in the Sun) and also features several cast members from A Raisin in the Sun.
PROJECT1VOICE, a newly established organization founded by New York-based actor/producer Erich McMillan-McCall (Chicago, The Who's Tommy) strives to preserve the legacy of African American theatre and playwrights: African American theatres nation-wide have been invited to participate in this one day event that serves as both an awareness campaign and fundraiser.

Livin Fat by Judi Ann Mason. Presented by Daughters Wanted and Crossroads Theatre Company
Friday June 24 at 7pm, Saturday June 25 at 3pm and 8pm
Livin Fat is a hilarious old school throw-back comedy of the 70's about the Carter Family who just happens to win $100,000 lottery. Livin Fat is presented by Daughters Wanted, an organization designed to provide a place of strength, affirmation, validation and encouragement for fatherless daughters of all ages and all colors.
Crossroads Theatre Company was founded in 1978 by Ricardo Khan and L. Kenneth Richardson with the vision that African-American theater is intended for a broad-based, diverse audience. As a major force in the development of new ideas and the introduction of formerly marginalized writers, Crossroads produces works that enrich and diversify the representation of African American culture on the American stage. Crossroads has produced more than 40 world premieres and received the Tony Award® in 1999 for Outstanding Regional Theatre in the United States.

Crossroads Theatre Company

7 LIVINGSTON AVE., NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ

CommonGround: Festival of the People
Performances: June 19-25
The Little Clay Cart: Sunday, June 19th 2011 at 3:00pm
Trouble in Mind: Monday, June 20th at 8:00pm
Livin' Fat: Friday June 24th 2011 at 3:00pm; Saturday June 25th at 3:00pm and 8:00pm
Tickets: The Little Clay Cart and Trouble in Mind, $25. Livin Fat, $30 ($35 at door.) Purchase online at www.CrossroadsTheatreCompany.org or call 732-545-8100.
Location: Crossroads Theatre, 7 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Website: www.CrossroadsTheatreCompany.org
Telephone: 732-545-8100

To post a comment, you must register and login.