CofC Stages in the College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance announces the theme, “Old is New Again” for its 2024-25 season productions. Eight productions focus on the exploration of “past works, different approaches, new and old spaces, stories and artists as the department moves into their renovated Simons Center,” explains Artistic Director of CofC Stages and faculty member, Janine McCabe. Many shows also take place in the newly renovated Simons Center for the Arts, highlighting the building’s brand new Black Box Theatre.
McCabe continues, “Our sense of community is re-invigorated after years of adaptation as CofC Stages and the department are back in one location. We continue to embrace flexibility and growth as we work to enhance the student experience and search for new pathways to provide the revenue needed to fund productions, artists, and opportunities that will allow our students to thrive here and prepare them for what comes next.”
The two opening theatrical productions, Home and The Drama of King Shotaway, are presented in collaboration with the City of Charleston’s MOJA Arts Festival. The multidisciplinary festival celebrates Black arts and culture, and the related artistic contributions to the world, especially through African American and Caribbean legacies. “CofC Stages submitted HOME and The Drama of King Shotaway for consideration and were thrilled to be accepted and included, especially as this impactful festival celebrates its 40th season,” mentions McCabe.
Penned by American playwright Samm-Art Williams, Home is the story of Cephus Miles, a young, optimistic farmhand who is content working on his family’s land until a series of unfortunate events sets him off track. Dreaming of a fresh start, Cephus moves up north, but after finding a new job and a new girlfriend, he sees his dream quickly beginning to fade.
This production is directed by Gary Dewitt Marshall, who has a special connection to the play, commenting, “I was fortunate enough to play the role of Cephus Miles while in graduate school in the 1990s. I am blessed to see it with more seasoned eyes and approach the work differently now, in my role as the director.” Home spiritedly depicts a search for fulfillment and coming of age in the mid 20th century. “Each iteration and interpretation of Home will take on the personality of the actors in those roles as well as the vision of the director – our production is no exception. There will be some aspects of the play that are traditional while other parts might be more innovative and possibly abstract by utilizing today’s technology,” states Marshall.
The Drama of King Shotaway is a staged reading directed by faculty member Nakeisha Daniel. Written by Marvin McAllister, the play depicts the true story of The African Grove Theatre, which is said to be America’s first Black theatre company. In a remote Greenwich Village in 1822, impresario William Brown and his all-African company defy local authorities to mount a play: a drama about the indigenous Black Caribs of St. Vincent and their revolt against British rule. This will be a Black dramatic first in the Americas, but Brown and his troupe don’t have a clue that they’re making history by telling someone else’s. The performance is followed by a Q&A with the playwright.
DETAILS: Performances of Home and The Drama of King Shotaway will take place at the Black Box Theatre in the Simons Center for the Arts, 54 St. Philip St. Home will show September 27, 28, and 30 and October 2-5 at 7:30 p.m. and September 29 at 2:00 p.m. The Drama of King Shotaway will be showing on October 4 and 5 at 2:00 p.m.
Ticket pricing varies according to performance and ranges from $8-$30. Discounts are available for senior citizens, veterans, military, youth, and College of Charleston students, faculty and staff.
Available for a limited time, a season subscription to all eight productions includes discounts while offering flex-ticketing, easy ticket exchanges, preferred seating and personalized box office service. Full price options range from $140-150. Discount subscriptions are available for senior citizens, veterans, military, youth, and College of Charleston students, faculty and staff.
Information and ticket/subscription links are at go.charleston.edu/nowplaying, OR buy tickets from George Street Box Office in person at 44 George St., by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu, or calling (843) 953-4726.
