Search
Close this search box.
Outreach & Education

Bulrusher

Bulrusher

By Eisa Davis

Moderated by Keia Johnson

In 1955, in the redwood country north of San Francisco, a multiracial girl grows up in a predominantly white town whose residents pepper their speech with the historical dialect of Boontling. Found floating in a basket on the river as an infant, Bulrusher is an orphan with a gift for clairvoyance that makes her feel like a stranger even among the strange: the taciturn schoolteacher who adopted her, the madam who runs her brothel with a fierce discipline, the logger with a zest for horses and women, and the guitar-slinging boy who is after Bulrusher’s heart. Just when she thought her world might close in on her, she discovers an entirely new sense of self when a black girl from Alabama comes to town. Passionate, lyrical, and chock full of down-home humor, this play is an unforgettable experience by a new, thrilling voice.

 

About the playwright 

Eisa Davis spent her childhood in San Francisco, California. As a child, she spent her time attending dance classes and learning the piano. She is the niece of political activist Angela Davis. After graduating from Berkeley High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a Master of Fine Arts from the Actors Studio, where she double majored in playwriting and acting.[4] Her dance skills are notable as well, with the dean of her program saying she could have been admitted to Alvin Ailey. She is most commonly known for her work as a playwright, writing shows such as Bulrusher and Angela’s Mixtape as well as through her acting work, wherein she won an Obie Award for Sustained Excellence in Performance. She resides in Brooklyn.

About the moderator

Keia is an Enthusiast of the Arts, with her own Entertainment Agency (KJ Management); creating and experiencing art is what makes her happiest. She has traveled all over the world performing as a Vocalist, has competed in talent competitions like “American Idol” & “The Voice”, performed on many theater stages in shows like “The Color Purple”, “Once on this Island”, “Nina” (Ostrander Nominee), “Hoodoo Love” by Katori Hall and many others. She currently resides in Memphis, TN; and while also running her business is a Teaching Artist for Theatre Memphis & Memphis Music Initiative. She brings an exciting point of view to new works and is excited to walk the participants through this story.

Meeting Dates & Times

ALL MEETINGS WILL BE AT THEATRE MEMPHIS

Tuesday, September 6, 2022: 6pm

Tuesday, September 13, 2022: 6pm

Registration

To register, fill out the form at the link below and include your non-refundable $15 payment. Payment is required with registration form submission to secure your spot since space is limited.

Lohrey Theatre

Seats up to 411

Both the Lohrey Theatre and the Next Stage Theatre are wheelchair accessible with a handicapped accessible restroom on the same level as the main lobby to both venues. The Lohrey Theatre also provides hearing assisted equipment to any who may require or request it, at no charge.

Lohrey Theatre Seating Chart

(Next Stage is open seating)

Next Stage

Seats up to 110

The black box Next Stage seats up to 110 and is also wheelchair accessible with state of the art equipment for sound and lighting.