HOUSTON, Jan. 19, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- In special commemoration of Black History Month, The Ensemble Theatre will present the critically acclaimed production, "Two Trains Running", written by well-known playwright, August Wilson. "Two Trains" is Wilson's first post civil rights play that interweaves the lives and hopes of people in a small diner nesting their dreams. Set against the symbolic backdrop of trains that brought both Southerners North in pursuit of the American dream, events unfold in gripping fashion and the forlorn cry of a homeless man foreshadows retribution.
Wilson projects that "There are always and only two trains running. There is life and there is death. Each of us rides them both. To live life with dignity, to celebrate and accept responsibility for your presence in the world is all that can be asked of anyone".
Preview dates are Saturday, January 22nd @ 8:00pm; Sunday, January 23rd @ 3:00pm, and Wednesday, January 26th at 7:30 pm. Opening night is Thursday, January 27th at 7:30 pm with a reception at 6:30 pm followed by the performance at The Ensemble Theatre located at 3535 Main St. The "Two Trains Running" production is generously supported by Shell Oil and The Cultural Arts Council of Houston. It is also rated PG-13 for some language.
The Ensemble also welcomes back to Houston, Eileen Morris, as she directs this encore staging of Wilson's engrossing treatise of the complexity of social change and people who challenge fate, capitalism and even history to take destiny into their own hands.
Morris moved to Pittsburgh 5 years ago and is now Managing Director of Kuntu Repertory Theatre with Houston native, Dr. Vernell A. Lillie, Kuntu's founder and Artistic Director. Prior to moving to Pittsburgh, Morris was the former Artistic Director for The Ensemble Theatre.
The production will also showcase many well-known local actors returning to The Ensemble such as Wayne DeHart, Timothy Dickson, Willie Dirden, Troy A. Hogan, Davi Jay, Clarence Whitmore and Aisha Ussery.
"TWO TRAINS RUNNING " BY AUGUST WILSON
--------------------------------------
January 27th-February 20th
Performance Times
-----------------
Previews: Saturday, Jan. 22nd 8:00 pm
Sunday, Jan. 23rd 3:00 pm
Wednesday, Jan. 26th 7:30 pm
Thursdays 7:30 pm
Fridays 8:00 pm
Saturdays 2:00 pm Matinee & 8:00 pm
Sundays 3:00 pm Matinee
For ticket information and groups sales, call the Box Office at (713) 520-0055, ext. 306.
The Ensemble Theatre, a 501 (c)(3), was founded in 1976 upon the foundation of the vision and talent of the late George Hawkins, founding Artistic Director, and has brought several generations of African Americans and other theatre patrons into the performance art form. The mission of The Ensemble Theatre is to preserve African American artistic expression, enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community. It holds the distinction as the nation's largest African American theatre that owns and operates it own facility. The $4.5 million facility includes the George Hawkins main stage with seating for 200 patrons; the Audrey Lawson Arena seating for 125; and a Performance Centre accommodating up to 500 people. In addition, the Ensemble's Tour Education Program provides performances for young audiences including schools, community outreach and training for young artists through The Young Performers Program.