Phoenix theater brings to life August Wilson classic
Black Theatre Troupe presents ‘Jitney,’ an intimate portrait of working-class life and resilience
(Show poster provided by Black Theatre Troupe)
Black Theatre Troupe will present a deeply human drama by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson in February.
Set in 1970s Pittsburgh, “Jitney” explores the lives of unlicensed cab drivers — men hustling to survive while providing vital transportation in their community, a theater press release notes. Operating out of a run-down station, they face mounting tensions, generational clashes, and the looming threat of urban renewal. When the boss’s estranged son returns from prison, long-buried wounds resurface.
The show will run from Friday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St.
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Phoenix theater brings to life August Wilson classic
Black Theatre Troupe presents ‘Jitney,’ an intimate portrait of working-class life and resilience
(Show poster provided by Black Theatre Troupe)
Posted
IF YOU GO
What: “Jitney”
When: Feb. 6-22
Where: Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Tickets: $50
More Information: blacktheatretroupe.org
Special to Independent Newsmedia
Black Theatre Troupe will present a deeply human drama by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson in February.
Set in 1970s Pittsburgh, “Jitney” explores the lives of unlicensed cab drivers — men hustling to survive while providing vital transportation in their community, a theater press release notes. Operating out of a run-down station, they face mounting tensions, generational clashes, and the looming threat of urban renewal. When the boss’s estranged son returns from prison, long-buried wounds resurface.
The show will run from Friday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St.
“Jitney,” written in 1979, is the first of the 10 monumental works in the American Century Cycle, his epic collection of plays that span across the decades to document African American experiences in the 20th century. Through his lyrical dialogue and richly drawn characters, the play offers an intimate portrait of everyday people navigating loyalty, responsibility, and hope.
Black Theatre Troupe’s production is directed by Rachel Finley and features an ensemble cast including Roosevelt Watts as Doub, Dion Belcher as Philmore, Kenneth Wayne Love as Jim Becker, Jonah B. Taylor as Shealy, Kay B. Rose as Rena, Jonathan Davis as Youngblood, Rapheal Hamilton as Booster, Eric L. Banks as Turnbo, and Calvin Worthen as Fielding.
“Jitney is about people who create their own systems of care when the world overlooks them,” Finley shared in a press release. “These characters are flawed, funny, and fiercely human. August Wilson gives us a story that honors the dignity of working people and reminds us that community is often built in the most unexpected places.”
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