By Dic Wheeler, Oddfellows Playhouse.
Oddfellows Playhouse is bringing in-person theater back to central Connecticut! The Teen Repertory Company will be performing Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, by Anna Deavere Smith May 20 – 29 in Middletown. Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 will be performed in the rear parking lot of the Salvation Army at 515 Main Street. Performances will be at 6 pm on May 20 – 22 and 28 – 29. Seating is limited and reservations are required. The production contains mature material and strong language and is not recommended for small children.
Twilight is a powerful piece of documentary theater exploring the riots following the acquittal of the police officers charged in the beating of Rodney King. Originally performed as a one-woman show by author Deavere-Smith, the play features over 20 characters representing many perspectives on the incident – including Rodney King’s aunt, Korean grocery store owners, LA Police Chief Daryl Gates, gang members, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, truck driver Reginald Denny, the leader of the Black Panther Party, and others. The play remains relevant today — the two-weekend run will coincide with the one-year anniversary of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Oddfellows Executive Artistic Director Dic Wheeler, who is directing the production, says “This has been an amazing piece to work on right now, especially with our very diverse cast and production team. Watching the trial of Derek Chauvin unfold while immersing ourselves in the story of Rodney King has been powerful and painful for everyone; we’re all in the journey, and we’re aiming to bring ourselves and the audience to a place of Hope and Justice at this moment in history”. Choreography for the production is by Felicia Goodwine; Vocal Director/Assistant Director is Diamond Wynn; Costume Designer is Vijor McCray; Properties Designer Pamela Lang; Sound Designer Rowan Trowbridge-Wheeler; Stage Manager Jen Rankin; and Sound Engineering by Thunder and Lighting.
Tickets for Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 are $15 for adults and $8 for students. “Big Heart” tickets for $25 are available for anyone wanting to support Oddfellows’ work with young people, the arts and social justice. Tickets may be purchased at www.oddfellows.org [1], or by calling (860) 347-6143.
Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, founded in 1975, is located at 128 Washington Street in Middletown. The Playhouse offers classes, performance opportunities and events for young people ages 3 – 20, with an ongoing commitment to Equity and Accessibility. The Children’s Circus of Middletown, now in its 33rd amazing summer, is a 5-week day camp for kids ages 5 – 15 – registration is open now!
