FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 29, 2017
CONTACT: Randall Hartzog, Theatre Memphis, Director of Marketing and Communications
rhartzog@theatrememphis.org 901.682.8601
Theatre Memphis Puts Up Fences
Memphis, TN – Fences, winner of the 1987 Tony Award for Best Play and Pulitzer Prize for Drama, opens on the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis January 19 and runs through February 4, 2018. Set in the 1950s, the evolving African-American experience is explored through the eyes of a former star of the Negro baseball league who was excluded from the major leagues during his prime. Now working as a garbage man, bitterness takes its toll on his relationships, as his son wants his own chance to play in the big leagues.
According to local actor Willis Green who portrays the principal character, Troy Maxson, “Troy has been literally and figuratively confronted with fences that have blocked his progress in life. This story is a clear example of how the brokenness inside of a person can manifest itself and cause rifts in relationships with family and friends.” Green reflects, “Fences also shows how father/son relationships can be painful, yet beautiful. This play has actually drawn me into an even closer relationship with my own father. I’m excited to be the voice of Troy Maxson to demonstrate how fences that block can also be used to shield and protect.”
Director of Fences Anita Jo Lenhart says, “The message of a family struggle can be universal, but this story is specific and I want the actors to be honest with their interpretations. It is their story to tell. It is their experiences that we want to draw upon.” Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch feels Fences definitely has a place in today’s social conversation. “Present day fences appear in the form of glass ceilings, discrimination, and social injustice.” she says. “The beauty of theatre is that we can discuss these issues and hopefully shine a light on a community coming together for solutions.”
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TITLE: Fences
WRITTEN BY: August Wilson
DIRECTOR: Anita Jo Lenhart
VENUE AND ADDRESS: Theatre Memphis on the Lohrey Stage, 630 Perkins Ext, Memphis, TN, 38117
RUN DATES: January 19- February 4, 2018
TIMES OF SHOWS: Thursdays @ 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm with matinees @ 2pm on Sundays
TICKETS: $25 adults, $15 students, $20 seniors 62 and above and military personnel
BOX OFFICE: 901.682.8323
WEB: www.theatrememphis.org
SPONSORED BY: Mike and Shirley Lupfer
MEDIA SPONSOR: The Best Times and WKNO 91.1FM
Production photos available 01/16/18.
Theatre Memphis is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization located at 630 Perkins Extended (corner of Perkins Extended and Southern) and is a community theatre whose mission is to provide outstanding theatrical experiences to enrich the lives of our audiences and participants.
Theatre Memphis receives season sponsorship and funding from: First Tennessee Foundation / ArtsFirst, The Jeniam Foundation, ArtsMemphis and Tennessee Arts Commission