Readers Theatre Presents Fences

TheatreWorks Community Players will present Fences, a drama by August Wilson on Friday August 17 at 7P. Fences is about the Maxson family and friends. A working-class African-American father, Troy Maxson, tries to raise his family in the 1950s, while coming to terms with the events of his life.

It will be performed in a Reader’s Theatre format. What is Reader's Theater? Simply put, it is a dramatic reading of the script by the cast members. They will read the script in character, and with full emotional range. It is a reading. The cast will not have memorized the lines. They will also remain seated while reading, and there will not be a set, lighting or sound effects. Why do we do this? It is a way to present what we feel are important works with much less time demand on the actors and crew.

Tom Berry, Director, shares, "I am very excited about being part of bringing August Wilson's work to Martinsville. In my humble opinion he is certainly one the most important playwrights of the 20th century, and probably ever. I should note: We are not going to edit this script, but are going to present it as written. There is strong language in this script, so be advised.”

The magic of theater is to take the audience into a different world for a brief period - in this case, 1950's Pittsburgh. This is a good one. Great cast, great script, and a few surprises. Tickets ($5) can be purchased on line, or at the door. There will be one performance of Fences. Cast members are Brian Witcher, Jonathon Penn, Shauna Hines, Demarco King, Wes Childress, and Kai Sims.