NuAFrikan Theatre Returns with DREAM DEFERRED, 4/19

“I see white people. One day I counted 16 and I didn’t even have to go downtown to see ‘em!” exclaims Lovey Jones, a Harlem native in the new play Dream Deferred.  

Returning to the stage after three seasons of organizational restructuring, NuAFrikan Theatre celebrates its revival with the Jacob A. Weiser Playwright Award winning play Dream Deferred, written and directed by Marcus Dargan, opening on April 19, 2012 at the 133^rd Street Arts Center. 

Dream Deferred is a one-act play that explores gentrification in Harlem through the monologues of African American residents of a pre-war building, whose survival is threatened by the newly built condominium across their street.  In the aftermath of a devastating building fire, its tenants are forced out into the streets facing the looming, pink walls of a high-rise building that has overshadowed their community with an otherworldly presence. They share stories of love and hate for Harlem and their views on the recent changes in their neighborhood. Racial tensions climax as a riot ensues, resulting in a standoff as these Harlem natives strive to reclaim their home.  The cast will include Bisa Y. Dawes, Shannon Harris, Richard Mays, Eddie K. Robinson, Donald Paul, and features Douglas Wade, and Johnnie Mae, an OOBR Award winning actress and two-time recipient of the AUDELCO Award. 

Presented as part of the NuAFrikan Theatre NuWorks series, Dream Deferred will run 13 performances from April 19-29, 2012 at the 133^rd Street Arts Center located at 308 West 133^rd Street, Harlem, New York.  Performances are at 7:00 PM on Tuesday – Saturday evenings, with matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00 PM, and Sunday at 3:00 PM.  General tickets are $20 at the door and are available at the 133^rd Street Arts Center box office one hour before curtain or by calling the box office at 347-855-7281. Advance online tickets are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors, students, and artists at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/232872.

Marcus Dargan is a recipient of the Jacob A. Weiser Playwright Award and was last seen in the role created by Ken Page in Ain’t Misbehavin’ with the Harlem Repertory Theatre, garnering five AUDELCO Award nominations.  He is the author of the play Antichrist Lament, which received workshop performances at the Manhattan Theatre Source PlayGround Development Series, Nuyorican Poet's Cafe, and NuAFrikan Theatre NuWorks series.

For complete ticket and schedule information or to order your tickets today, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/232872.