Asking tough questions: IRT season continues with Pipeline

Powerful play challenges audiences to see themselves, compassion in a gritty reality

Indianapolis, Ind. — In the first Upperstage production of the 2018-2019 season, the Indiana Repertory Theatre will create the Indiana premiere of a play written by one of America’s most sought-after playwrights, Dominique Morisseau. From October 16 – November 11, visit the IRT to see Pipeline, presented by The Indianapolis Foundation and CICF.
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Described by Playbill as “the play America needs right now,” Pipeline tells the story of a fractured family navigating a world divided by race, class and money. The term “pipeline” refers to both the removal of students from public school to place them in gifted educational experiences, and the problematic path of school-to-prison that impacts mostly poor and underserved communities of color.

Morisseau focuses on drawing attention to–not solving–the situations the main characters face. The play explores the struggles of education, friendship, race and family and, as a result, encourages conversation and reflection on some of the most important issues surrounding young people–a conversation Executive Artistic Director Janet Allen wanted to bring to the IRT’s audiences.

“Her art causes the content–content we all share responsibility for–to make us wrestle with, and potentially question, our own assumptions about race and education,” Allen said. “It isn’t often that a play comes along with such a superb blend of craft and social content, a blend that impacts and informs us while staying true to itself and its art.”

Raelle Myrick-Hodges will make her directorial debut at the IRT with this topical production and lead the cast and creative team in communicating not only the story of the main character Omari and the characters that surround him, but also the larger social issues.

“We don’t discuss the stress on students and parents enveloped by this system,” Myrick-Hodges said. “Morisseau’s play is not a vilification of this system; it’s addressing how children manage it, and how they try to be an adult, be mature, and navigate a world where no-one sees them.”

Myrick-Hodges, the creator and co-founder of Azuka Theatre in Philadelphia, has directed productions around the world and currently is a guest professor of graduate studies in Theatre Performance at Brown University. She will be at the IRT for a post-show discussion on Saturday, October 20, which will be hosted by Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna.

Come experience compassion and eloquence in the Indiana premiere of Pipeline. Tickets are available now!


DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  October 16 – November 11, various times. Pipeline is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com. 

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy.
 
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:
AIMÉ DONNA KELLY | Nya
RENIKA WILLIAMS | Jasmine
COLE TAYLOR | Omari
CONSTANCE MACY | Laurie
TOUSSAINT JEANLOUIS | Dun
ANDRÉ GARNER | Xavier
 
RAELLE MYRICK-HODGES | Director
JUNGHYUN GEORGIA LEE | Scenic Design
ARI FULTON | Costume Design
XAVIER PIERCE | Lighting Design
REUBEN LUCAS | Projection Design
JUSTIN HICKS | Original Music
STEPHANIE KLAPPER CASTING | Casting/New York

SPECIAL EVENTS:
OPENING NIGHT  
Friday, October 19, 2018  |  Performance at 7:30 PM
Raise a glass and salute the cast at IRT’s Opening Night! After the show, the marquee lights shine bright as you’re treated to a champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres, and invited to a one-time-only chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans. 

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, October 20, 2018 | Following the 5 PM performance
Director Raelle Myrick-Hodges joins the Indiana Repertory Theatre for an exclusive, one-day-only discussion facilitated by Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna. Myrick-Hodges, the creator and co-founder of Azuka Theatre, has directed productions around the world and currently is a guest professor of graduate studies in Theatre Performance at Brown University. This post-show discussion begins immediately following the performance and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Admittance to the discussion is included with ticket purchase.

BACKSTAGE TOUR
Sunday, October 21, 2018 | Following the 2 PM performance
Immediately following this performance, join IRT staff for an explorative and informative backstage tour. Tours typically last 30 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Friday, October 26, 2018 | Following the 7:30 PM performance
Please join a special community conversation immediately following this performance. Alicia Collins, Community Collaborations Director at the Central Indiana Community Foundation will facilitate a discussion with community leader panelists to relate the themes highlighted in Pipeline to Indianapolis.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, October 27, 2018 | Following the 5 PM performance
Please join a special community conversation immediately following this performance. Brian Payne, President and CEO of the Central Indiana Community Foundation will facilitate a discussion with community leader panelists to relate the themes highlighted in Pipeline to Indianapolis.

IRTEA TALK
Sunday, October 28, 2018  |  Performance at 2 PM
After the performance enjoy tea, cookies and coffee while engaging in a post-show discussion with IRT actors, cast and guests.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE
Sunday, October 28, 2018  |  Performance at 2 PM
The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance. To learn more visit irtlive.com/accessibility.  

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Friday, November 2, 2018 | Following the 7:30 PM performance
Please join a special community conversation immediately following this performance. Tamara Winfrey-Harris, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Central Indiana Community Foundation will facilitate a discussion with community leader panelists to relate the themes highlighted in Pipeline to Indianapolis.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, November 3, 2018 | Following the 5 PM performance
Please join a special community conversation immediately following this performance. Pamela Ross, Vice President of Opportunity, Equity and Inclusion at the Central Indiana Community Foundation will facilitate a discussion with community leader panelists to relate the themes highlighted in Pipeline to Indianapolis.

HAPPY HOUR
Tuesday, November 6, 2018  |  Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM  |  Performance at 6:30 PM
Imbibe like a local at IRT’s Happy Hour! Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM, an hour before the performance. Sip on local libations and then nosh on mouth-watering nibbles.

COOKIES & COFFEE
Thursday, November 8, 2018  |  Performance at 2 PM
Cookies and coffee will satisfy your sweet tooth, and our production will leave you wanting more! Luckily, you can have a sweet experience at the IRT’s Cookie and Coffee matinee where cookies, coffee and tea can be enjoyed before the 2 PM performance. 


For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Marketing Communications Manager at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824

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