The Billie Holiday Theatre, Brooklyn's premiere off-Broadway company, opens its 39th Season with the world premiere of Jackie Alexander's play Brothers from the Bottom. Two more Equity productions of original plays by Alexander will follow: The Legend of Buster Neal and The Right Reverend Dupree in Exile.
Award-winning playwright Jackie Alexander has been tapped to write and direct all three mainstage shows for the 2010-11 season, marking a rare, bold backing by an off-Broadway company to nurture a playwright's development. All three plays explore the themes of change, identity, family, and modern values in African-American culture.
"After the success of The High Priestess of Dark Alley, I knew Jackie's work resonated with our audience," says producing artistic director Marjorie Moon of the 2008 extended, sold-out production. "Jackie Alexander's plays deal with topics relevant to our audiences and the community at large."
Alexander's storytelling perspective parallels that of the Theatre's mission to explore contemporary African-American issues. "As a writer, my work has tended to focus on the importance of responsibility, both personal and civic," says Alexander. "So with this trilogy I want to share my belief that the best way for the African American community - or any community for that matter - to thrive, is for those within it to make valuing each other a priority."
Brothers from the Bottom
October 15 - December 19 | Opening Night October 28
Gentrification threatens a New Orleans neighborhood and the bond between two brothers.
Featuring Nicoye Banks, Thaddeus Daniels, Joy Hooper, Anja Lee, Warner Miller, and Neko Parham
Thursdays - Sundays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm, Sundays at 4:00pm
Tickets $15 - $25; on sale now at www.zerve.com/BHolidayInc/Brothers or call 212-209-3370
The Legend of Buster Neal
February 18 - March 27
A legendary civil rights activist reappears 60 years after his supposed death to face his great-great grandson.
The Right Reverend Dupree in Exile
April 28 - June 26
A religious leader, haunted by feelings of betrayal, clings to his dignity with the support of his family.
The Billie Holiday Theatre
Restoration Plaza | 1368 Fulton Street | Brooklyn, NY
A train to Nostrand Avenue; off-street parking available
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