As part of its continuing outreach program, The Western Stage in
Salinas is again providing a venue for The African American Theater
Arts Troupe as a means of representing yet another segment of our
multicultural community.
As part of its continuing outreach program, The Western Stage in Salinas is again providing a venue for The African American Theater Arts Troupe as a means of representing yet another segment of our multicultural community. For its 12th season, AATAT will be performing Seven Guitars, the award–winning play written by August Wilson and directed by AATAT Producer/Director Don Williams.
August Wilson, himself, is one of the most influential and renowned African American writers of our time. His play takes place in the backyard of a house in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1948 just before the start of the Civil Rights movement. A group of friends gather following the untimely death of Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton, a local blues guitarist. They share stories of Floyd’s short life and come to discover the passion and spirit that dwells in each of them. This full-length drama contains adult themes and language. It is filled with historical context, vivid imagery and is interlaced with the music that inspired a generation of activism.
The African American Theater Arts Troupe serves to enhance the climate of cultural diversity in our community, focusing on the recruitment, recognition, and retention of under-represented students by providing a sense of belonging and by bringing in productions about people of color, encouraging the celebration of American diversity.
Their main mission is to continue to raise funds for the UCSC African American Student Life Scholarship Fund. In past years they have raised and awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to African American students based on merit, financial need and participation in the theater arts program. If you would like to support their work, reserved seating is available at $10 per person. There is only one performance locally, which will be Saturday March 8, at 8 p.m. on the Main Stage at the Hartnell College Performing Arts Center.
Details and reservations: 755-6990.
