IRT’s INclusion Series continues with look at effects of racism on youth, communities

Original artwork by Kyle Ragsdale

IRT’s INclusion Series continues with look at effects of racism on youth, communities
Adaptation of award-winning novel explores growing up in the Civil Rights era

Indianapolis, Ind.—This February, the Indiana Repertory Theatre will continue its long-standing history of bringing impactful books to stage with Christopher Paul Curtis’ award-winning youth historical fiction novel, The Watsons Go To Birmingham—1963. Adapted by playwright Cheryl L. West, this Civil Rights-era family drama will run February 1 - March 1 on the IRT Upperstage.

Set in the 1960s on the edge of the actual historical tragedy of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 follows a fictional African American family as they travel from Michigan through the Deep South, where they end up navigating the prejudice and violence encountered by black people in Jim Crow America. Told through the perspectives of the three young children, this multigenerational story is both a warm look at family love and a moving exploration of the effects of racism on youth and communities.

“The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 is focused on our nation’s fraught Civil Rights history, but it also provides opportunities for parents and children to discuss some of today’s most pressing issues: racism, class struggle, violence, and a culture of hate,” IRT’s Resident Dramaturg Richard J Roberts said. “At the same time, it demonstrates the enduring power of family, love, and community.”

Directed by Mikael Burke, this production is the second in IRT’s new INclusion Series, which celebrates diverse storytelling, and this season, focuses on the Native American, African American, and Chinese American experiences. By exploring aspects of United States history that are overlooked, lesser known, and still every bit as relevant today, like the Chinese Exclusion Act or the horrific acts of violence against African Americans, the series works to broaden perspectives on what it means to be an American—and all of the varying experiences that make up this country.

"While we know the facts of the Civil Rights movement, with its marches, sit ins, and ultimate violence, we rarely experience it through the lens of an actual family, who are trying simply to live their lives in tumultuous times, trying to teach their children values, even while they must protect them from those who wish them harm due to the color of their skin alone,” IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Janet Allen said.

Each public performance throughout the run will have a post-show discussion led by cast members, staff or various community organizations, including Central Indiana Community Foundation. In addition to these important discussions, the IRT is offering a Sensory Friendly performance on February 22 for those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Continuing IRT’s mission to serve Indiana’s youth, this production will also welcome 12,000 students from across the state on weekdays, aligning art and theatre with education and Civil Rights history.
 
Tickets to The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 are on sale now!

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington Street, IRT Upperstage

RUN DATES:  February 1 - March 1, various times. The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963 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:

XAVIER ADAMS | Kenny
BRYANT BENTLEY | Daddy
TIFFANY GILLIAM | Mama
GRAYSON MOLIN | Buphead
BRIAN WILSON | Byron
MILICENT WRIGHT | Grandma Sands
DALILA YODER | Joey
 
MIKAEL BURKE | Director
REUBEN LUCAS | Scenic & Projection Designer
ALEXIS CARRIE | Costume Designer
XAVIER PIERCE | Lighting Designer
TOM HORAN | Sound Designer

SPECIAL EVENTS:

OPENING CELEBRATION
Saturday, February 1, 2020 | Performance at 3 PM
Raise a glass and cheers to the cast and crew at IRT’s Opening Celebration! After the show, delight in a champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, and a one-time-only chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 8, 2020 | Following the 3 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 8, 2020 | Following the 7 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 15, 2020 | Following the 3 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 15, 2020 | Following the 7 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | Performance at 3 PM
Sensory Friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Elements of this performance may be adapted to ensure the comfort of all of our audience members.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | Following the 3 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | Following the 7 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE
Sunday, February 23, 2020 | 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
Sunday, February 23, 2020 | Following the 2 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 29, 2020 | Following the 3 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 29, 2020 | Following the 7 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, March 1, 2020 | Following the 2 PM performance
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

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

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ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

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