Read to Relate: A Theatre Memphis Interactive Play Discussion Group is an online reading and discussion group that will read works by American playwrights of color and/or those who are differently-abled. This virtual experience's objective is to broaden awareness of plays written by and about the BIPOC and/or differently-abled communities (BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). Local Black theatre artists will moderate discussions about the scripts. The moderator will guide the participants through two virtual discussions about the literary and social context found in the play's text and production qualities.
Every other month Theatre Memphis will offer a new script selection for discussion. Participants will read the play on their own and attend two virtual discussion sessions. Registered participants will receive a copy of the script(s) and a link to the scheduled discussions. There is a $15 fee to register. The fee covers the cost of the script and the two moderated discussions. The scripts will be available for pick up at Theatre Memphis. Register online below. If fees are an issue for an interested participant or if you have additional questions, please contact the program manager, Amy Salerno Hale.
Registration: January 14-31.
Discussion One: February 9, 7 - 8:30 PM
Discussion Two: February 23, 7 - 8:30 PM
Immediate Family by Paul Oakley Stovall "looks squarely at the fraught intersection of race and sexuality, of love and hypocrisy and the minefield of omission and silence." - Lynnell George, Center Theatre Group. See more information about the play HERE.
Discussion of Immediate Family will be moderated by Thomas King (TeKay). TeKay is a Communication and Theatre professor at Southwest and is an MFA-Theatre (Directing) candidate at the University of Memphis with degrees in Journalism and Mass Communications and Communication Studies/Performance from the UNC. TeKay is an award-winning director, actor, singer, and choreographer, having worked a few times onstage and behind-the-scenes at the Theatre Memphis. He's a faculty director at STCC, a Guest Artist and an Advisory Board Member at Rhodes, with productions garnering Ostrander nominations and wins. He has performed in Memphis and worldwide with the award-winning DeltaCappella, a cappella vocal band, including a tour in Shanghai in 2015 and the world premiere of A Midsummer Night's Dream opera a cappella. TeKay has appeared on Broadway in performances including staged concerts of "Children of Eden," & “Pippin” with Billy Porter, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Rosie O'Donnell and Ben Vereen, and the one-night performance of "Oliver!" for the Irish Rep with Brian Stokes Mitchell.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a title for discussion can do that with a $100 donation to the program. Your name or company will be listed as the title's sponsor in all promotions of the title. Contact Claire Rutkauskas.
Future guest moderators for this program's inaugural year are Tony Horne, Mary Ann Washington, Bria Brown and Kierra Turner.
Past play discussions include:
- Saturday Night/Sunday Morning by Katori Hall / Discussion moderated by Leslie Reddick