PROJECT1VOICE
O&B PRODUCTIONS
Project1VOICE One Play One Day 2018 is set with national staged readings of Pearl Cleage's Flyin' West on Monday, June 18. Now in its eighth consecutive year, One Play One Day celebrates forgotten and under-appreciated narratives in the American theater with same-day staged readings of these plays in cities all over the world on the third Sunday and Monday. This year O&B Productions, LLC will represent Northern Va. In One Play One Day by presenting Flyin’ West at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA on Monday June 18, 2018 at 7 PM. Flyin' West will be directed by Crystal Arfoh-Addoh. Actors scheduled to perform include 2014 Washington Area Theatre Community Honors Award nominee, Terrie Edwards and multiple time DC Metro Theatre Arts Awards winner, Matthew Scarborough.
Flyin' West is a powerful look at the African American woman pioneer. The play explores the universal themes of determination, feminism, pride and freedom. Set in 1898, the lives of a small group of African American women change as they leave the oppressive South for the West where they settle together in the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. Their hope and determination to survive in a harsh and unforgiving region are tested as they build new lives for themselves and their families.
"Flyin' West was chosen as our staged reading selection almost two years before the revelations that catapulted the "Me Too" and "Times Up" movements into the international spotlight. Project1VOICE was specifically looking for narratives that expand our voice as an activist and community builder in the American theater and would further the conversation about the systemic and pervasive behavior that does not allow women, particularly African American women, to achieve equality in the workplace and in society. Flyin' West is an important narrative to revisit as the nation steadfastly ushers in a new era of accountability that demands a reckoning," says Erich McMillan-McCall founder/CEO of Project1VOICE.
Pearl Cleage is an author and playwright whose work both fiction and non-fiction have been widely recognized. Her novel, What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, was a 1998 Oprah Book Club selection. She is known for her feminist views particularly regarding her identity as an African American woman. Ms. Cleage is the Playwright-in-Residence at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta. Among her critically acclaimed plays are: Flyin' West, Blues for an Alabama Sky, We Speak Your Names: A Celebration and What I Learned in Paris. For more information about Peal Cleage visit: www.pearlcleage.net.
Founded in 2012 by sisters, Tabbie Mann and Terrie Edwards, O&B Productions, LLC began writing and producing plays that bring a fresh voice and perspective to the theatre scene of Northern Virginia. “This is the first time we have collaborated with another organization and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of One Play One Day. Ms. Cleage’s work is gritty and funny and real. We can’t wait to give it voice and hopefully re-kindle interest in such a powerful play,” says Tabbie Mann co-founder/principal playwright of O&B Productions, LLC.
One Play One Day is Project1VOICE's signature event. Previous staged readings for One Play One Day include: Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress, The Amen Corner by James Baldwin, The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe, A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller and Yellowman by Dael Orlandersmith.
O&B Productions, LLC
Date: Monday June 18, 2018
Time: 7pm, doors open 30 minutes prior
Tickets: $10 advance purchase, $15 at door
*Limited seating, advance ticket reservations are recommended for this event. Reserved tickets may be collected at Will Call beginning 30 minutes prior to event, doors open for seating 30 minutes prior.
