JTP's 2018-19 season: Women becoming whole. Women empowered.
The season included a classic Ibsen tale with a modern twist; a funny and poignant glimpse into a tiny sewing factory in L.A.; our annual holiday gospel show of "Black Nativity"; a historical trip down a river in 1890; the true story of a man who lives as a woman to survive the Nazi regime; and a musical that transformed and inspired.
S/HE IS. Becoming Whole
Sponsored by Kymanox
October 12 - 28, 2018. JTP Main Stage Season Opener:
#NORA A DOLL'S HOUSE, Remodeled. Based on the play by Henrik Ibsen. Directed by JaMeeka Holloway-Burrell. Story re imagined by JaMeeka Holloway-Burrell, Aurelia Belfield, Katie Barrett. Location: Umstead Park UCC, Raleigh.
Not your mom's doll's house....
Torvald's new App has gone viral. Nora's America's new social media obsession, her new show is airing, and so will their dirty secrets...
In 1879, Ibsen premiered a ground breaking play that quickly became know for "The door slam heard round the world". The Justice Theater Project's team has adapted the show and created an entirely new script. It's 2018 and not much has changed in regards to gender roles since 1879 when Ibsen's play first premiered.
With modern twists that will thrill and enthrall Ibsen lovers and newbies alike, Nora and her husband Torvald are brought to life in this Reality TV and Social Media inspired adaptation. Who really holds the power in this relationship?
Story re imagined by JaMeeka Holloway-Burrell, Aurelia Belfield, Katie Barrett, and members of The Justice Theater Project. The production will be partially video taped, and will include relevant modern cultural references.
November 15-18, 2018. I AM MY OWN WIFE by Doug Wright. Directed by Jackson Cooper. Featuring Brian Westbrook.
Umstead Park United Church of Christ. 8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh 27617
Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, was elegant and eccentric 65-year-old German “transvestite”, who tells the story of hiding from the Nazis in plain sight as a woman. Wright uses more than 30 characters—all played by one actor—to piece together Charlotte's controversial life. Winner: 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Tony Award for Best Play. Charlotte’s story is one that will educate audiences not only for its moving narrative, but for its timeliness of advocating for one’s own identity when a government tries so hard to suppress it.
ALL NEW! Directed by JaMeeka Holloway-Burrell, Music Direction by Ray Watkins. New soloists! 90 minute run time.
December 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2018. (6 shows) JTP's Annual Holiday Production: BLACK NATIVITY by Langston Hughes. Sponsored by Carol Woods Retirement Community.
December 14 at 7:30PM and December 15 at 2:00PM, Umstead Park United Church of Christ, Raleigh
December 16 at 3:00PM and 7:30PM, December 17 and 18 at 7:30PM Stewart Theatre, Talley Student Union, NC State University
February 8-24, 2019. Main Stage Production. MEN ON BOATS by Jaclyn Backhaus. Directed by Jules Odendahl-James.
Based on the book THE EXPLORATION OF THE COLORADO RIVER AND ITS CANYONS by John Wesley Powell. A brave cast of gender explorers portrays Powell, a stately one-armed army major, and his 9 man 1869 expedition as it wends its way in four boats through perilous waters to create the first official map of the region. The humor and pathos of the play emerge in the portrayal of cis-gender white male bluster and bravado by artists who do not identify as such and who illuminate and undercut clichés of the archetypal hero and adventurer.
April 5-7, 2019. Staged Reading. REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES by Josephina Lopez.
Umstead Park United Church of Christ, 8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh 27617
Set in a tiny sewing factory in East L.A., the outrageously funny story of five full-figured Mexican-American women who are trying to keep their tiny factory from going under. And while they work, and hide from the INS, they talk... about their husbands and lovers, their children, their dreams for the future. This microcosm of the Latina immigrant experience celebrates real women's bodies, and the incredible bond that happens when women work together.
Director: "Real Women Have Curves"
The Justice Theater Project is looking for recommendations for Latina/Hispanic directors and actresses for the staged reading of "Real Women Have Curves." Please forward your recommendations to jerrysipp@yahoo.com.
June, 7-23, 2019 JTP's Main Stage season musical finale: CAROLINE, OR CHANGE by Jeanine Tesori and Tony Kushner.
Set in 1963 Louisiana, a provocative story of political change, social change... and pocket change.
Umstead Park United Church of Christ, 8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh 27617
Featuring a virtuosic score by Jeanine Tesori (Shrek The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie), it blends blues, gospel and traditional Jewish melodies. In 1963, the Gellman family and their African-American maid, Caroline, live in sleepy Lake Charles, Louisiana. Caroline is drifting through life as a single mother of four working in a service job to a white family. A fragile, yet beautiful friendship develops between the young Gellman son, Noah, and Caroline. A sung-through musical, CAROLINE OR CHANGE offers multiple layers of political, social, and feminist themes. Equally representing the voices. The big issues of the day play out in the domestic, female-oriented space of the home. The musical examines the intersection of gender, race, religion, and class, presenting women within the larger context of history and faith.
The Mission of JTP:
The mission of The Justice Theater Project is to produce compelling theater experiences that create community dialogue and give voice to social concerns.
The Vision of JTP:
The vision of The Justice Theater project is to connect, inspire and impact our community through engaging performing arts outreach, education and advocacy.
Core Values of JTP:
• Diversity, inclusion and equity
• Dignity, humility and respect
• Mindfulness of mission
• Artistic excellence and integrity of process
• Community engagement and collaboration
