HOUSTON, Sept. 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Ensemble Theatre will launch its new 2005-2006 Mainstage Season with "A Lesson Before Dying" by playwright Romulus Linney, based on the award winning novel by Ernest J. Gaines. The play premieres on Thursday, September 15th with a media reception at 6 p.m. with honored guest, Ernest J. Gaines, and Opening Night reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the performance at 7:30 p.m. at The Ensemble Theatre located at 3535 Main St. Set in the segregated society of Louisiana in 1948, it is the powerful story of a young Black man wrongly accused and placed on Death Row. With the increase of state moratoriums on death penalty executions and protests over the impending Texas execution of Francis Newton, who is scheduled to be executed on September 14th, it is also a timely production. Like the novel, the play engages an audience in what Mr. Gaines describes as the test of "grace under pressure." The novel is required reading for many school districts across the country including Houston.
"A Lesson Before Dying," a literary classic, has received many honors including a Pulitzer Prize nomination, and Best Fiction Award from three prestigious organizations. Locally, 'Lesson' was the inaugural literary work for Houston's Books on the Bayou program, and was also presented in a marathon 8-hour reading by Inprint, Houston's premiere literary organization. It was also featured in 1997 in "Oprah's Book Club." Mr. Gaines has been heralded with literary awards, which have included a fellowship for his lifetime achievements from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Romulus Linney, one of the most acclaimed living American playwrights, has authored more than three novels, five anthologies and more than 40 plays. He has taught at many universities including Columbia, Princeton, and Universities of North Carolina and Pennsylvania. On his adaptation of 'Lesson', Linney asserts, "I think that when you do an adaptation for theater, it's either a marriage or a love affair...and so tremendous is my esteem and affection of many years for Ernest Gaines, there was no question but that I would be a very faithful adapter...which I did do."
Wayne DeHart, director for the production, is a veteran artist entering his 24th year of association with the theatre. Last seen on The Ensemble stage as "Memphis" in Two Trains Running, DeHart reflects on the resonance of "Lesson." "We are privileged to watch seven stories of dignity and self respect as they entwine and intermix; we are given lessons in love, faith, integrity and self esteem.....we are all students of life and teachers of experience."
The production features a stellar cast of artists returning to The Ensemble stage: Cheray Josiah, Larry Don Johnson, Belinda Simmons and Tracey E. Wheat (alternating with Simmons); a dynamic corps of artists is also making their first appearance with The Ensemble: Raymond McNeel, Joshua Gray and Sir Charles Black and Nicholas Lewis, headlining in lead roles.
The play previews, Saturday, September 10th at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 11th at 3 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 14th at 7:30 p.m. The play opens on September 15 and continues through October 2. "A Lesson Before Dying" is generously supported by Duke Energy and the City of Houston through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County (CACHH). The theatre also extends special thanks to the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and Continental Airlines.
"A Lesson Before Dying" is rated (PG) for parents who may wish to exercise discretion in viewing by young children.
"A LESSON BEFORE DYING"
adapted by Romulus Linney and written by Ernest J. Gaines
Sept. 15-Oct. 2, 2005
Performance Times
Previews: Saturday, Sept. 10th 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 11th 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 14th 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays 7:30 p.m.
Fridays 8 p.m.
Saturdays 2 p.m. Matinee and 8 p.m.
Sundays 3 p.m. Matinee
For ticket information and groups sales, call the Box Office at (713) 520-0055.
Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre has evolved to be the largest African-American professional theatre company in the U.S. that produces in-house and owns its own facility. It is truly one of Houston's finest historical cultural institutions. The theatre is a non-profit organization that houses three stages located on Main Street in the heart of Midtown. Each year the theatre presents a repertoire of critically acclaimed dramas, comedies and musicals that demonstrate the artistic ability of more than 250 professional local, regional and national artists and support staff. The theatre also has an educational touring program and a summer young performers training program. The Ensemble celebrated when the theatre accomplished two major milestones: the retirement of its $360,000 debt remaining from its $4.5 million capital campaign, and the dedication of a METRO commuter rail stop named in the theatre's honor. For more information, please visit the website at www.ensemblehouston.com