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In this captivating and intelligently scripted tale, we follow the return of Joshua (the excellent, thrilling Derek Shaun) to his childhood ghetto.
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Derek Shaun (Joshua) & Theresa Devaux (Tamar)
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Joshua gets involved in the community by opening a barber shop and turning it into a place where everybody gathers to comment on events and debate politics. Thanks to the writing and directing, this play is alive and takes you along a whole range of emotion.
The characters make you laugh with them, and sometimes at them (like in the case of the not so bright but touching apprentice drug dealer R.J (Willie Warner)). Joshua is meant to embody the universal African American male struggle, acting as a son, a husband, a friend, a brother and a political figure in its community.
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The Barber Shop
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As a son, he is walking in the shoes of his father, who was also trying to stand up for his community when he was murdered. As a friend, and ultimately brother, he is the truth believer, who gives up on nobody, not even on the one who turned up a drug dealer, Aaron ( Brian Marshall) .
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Derek Shaun (Joshua) & Damon Christopher (John)
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His other close friend, John (Damon Christopher), although African American too, represents the white crowd, working on 'the other side of the city', where there are still shops and businesses going on -the white part. As a husband, although he is supported by his wife Tamar (Theresa Deveaux), she also questions his beliefs, making him assess the deepest roots of his actions. Finally, as a political figure, he will challenge the establishment and try to wake up his community, persuading them that things can change, and it doesn't have to always be the same.
Following Joshua's return to his childhood ghetto is also a pretext to walk along African American history. Doc (Marvin Gay) tells the moving story of Emmett Till (the brutal killing that mobilized the civil right movement).
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Derek Shaun (Joshua) & Marvin Gay (Mr.Thomas)
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Ms Chides' apparitions (Bernadette McAllister) represent the people in the community who have given up, and who act only in their best interest, even to the detriement of their own people. The extraordinary energy developed by this extremely talented cast, will touch and entertain you. This play is definitely a journey worth taking.
The Awakening" (first presented in Sacramento in 1992) is written by William A. Parker, whose work also include" "Me & My Boy," "The Difference Between Men and Women," and "Waitin' 2 End Hell" (which was directed and co-produced off-Broadway by the legendary Woodie King, Jr.)
Visit the website : www.awakeningtheplay.com
"THE AWAKENING";
OPENS AT DORIE THEATRE AT THE COMPLEX ON DECEMBER 7
WHAT: "The Awakening." Southern California Premiere engagement
of a new play.
WHO: Written by William a. Parker. Directed by Sam Nickens.
Produced by Parker's Place and Upward Bound Productions.
WHERE: Dorie Theatre at the Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd.,
Hollywood 90038.
This is near the S.E. corner of Wilcox. Valet parking optional (fee).
WHEN: December 7, 2006- January 28, 2007.
Thurs. & Fri. at 8, Sat. at 2 and 8, Sun. at 3 p.m.
ESTIMATED RUNNING TIME: 2 1/2 hours (includes one intermission).
RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION: (323) 960-7862.
ONLINE TICKETING: www.Plays411.com/awakening
CAST : R.J ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Willie Warner
Ms. Chide' ' ' ' ' ' .Bernadette McAllister
Joshua' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' .Derek Shaun
Aaron' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' .Brian Marshall
Mr.Thomas' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ..Marvin Gay
John' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Damon Christopher
Tamar' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Theresa Deveaux
Tilitha' ' ' ' ' ' ' .Jennifer Dale Sammons
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