David Alan Anderson and Kim Staunton in IRT’s 2016 production of Fences. Photo by Zach Rosing.
Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) brings August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences, to stage in a powerful journey of African-American life in the 1950’s.The production comes to the OneAmerica Mainstage March 9 through April 3.
Fences tells the heartbreaking story of sanitation worker Troy Maxson, a former Negro league all-star baseball player whose opportunity to play in the Major Leagues was thwarted by racism in the pre-Jackie Robinson era.
Struggling to provide for his family and conflicted with the temptations of life, Troy works to protect himself from what threatens his livelihood. As his world seems to crumble around him he does what he can to survive.
“This explosively tender story of American life shows what can happen when passion and thundering rage collide,” said Janet Allen, IRT Executive Artistic Director and CEO. “We’re pleased to bring Fences back to stage after 20 years because its story is just as relevant now, as it ever was.”
Fences made its first debut at the IRT in 1996, where David Alan Anderson played Lyons, son of Troy Maxson. This season, Anderson will play Troy himself.
“Twenty years ago, the idea never crossed my mind [that he’d one day play the role of Troy]; it was so far down the road,” said David Alan Anderson. “Playing Troy has been a great challenge made easier by the fact that the director of Fences, Lou Bellamy, and I share similar thoughts about how the character should be portrayed.”
What is arguably one of Wilson’s most prominent plays in his epic cycle, Fences is universal enough to touch a chord in every human heart (The New York Times).
DETAILS
WHAT: Fences by August Wilson
WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140. W. Washington Street
WHEN: March 9 – April 4
COST: Adult pricing: $25-59 | Student Pricing: $20
RUNNUNG TIME: Two hours, plus one 15-minute intermission
AGE: Recommended for grades 9-12 due to strong language and mature themes
Learn more at irtlive.com
CAST
- JAMES T. ALFRED | Lyons
- DAVID ALAN ANDERSON |Troy Maxson
- SIMEEYAH GRACE BAKER | Raynell
- TERRY BELLAMY | Gabriel
- MARCUS NAYLOR | Bono
- EDGAR SANCHEZ | Cory
- KIM STAUNTON | Rose
SPECIAL EVENTS
- MARCH 10| DINNER AND A SHOW WITH THE EAGLE’S NEST
For only $80 per person, a scrumptious three-course dinner from The Eagle’s Nest is the perfect pairing for a performance of Fences. This cannot be combined with other offers. To reserve contact the ticket office at 317-635-5252. - MARCH 10 | POST-SHOW DISCUSSION WITH JAMAL SMITH, INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOL’S ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Jamal Smith is no stranger to the impact sports can have on one’s life. As the former Senior Advisor for Minority Affairs to the Governor and Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and current Indianapolis Public School’s Athletic Director, Smith is credited with orchestrating the Annual Civil Rights Game – a game that celebrates history and the progressive movement of all people towards equal rights. The Civil Rights Game honors former Negro League players, while the Indianapolis Indian’s wear throwback Clown’s jerseys. Smith’s discussion takes place on March 10 after the 7:30 PM performance. - MARCH 11 | OPENING NIGHT
Features a champagne toast with the cast after the performance. - MARCH 20 | IRT TEA TALK W/ DALE OGDEN, CHIEF CURATOR AT INDIANA STATE MUSEUM, & CLIFF ROBINSON, FORMER BATBOY FOR THE INDY CLOWNS
Enjoy tea and cookies at a post-show discussion as Dale Ogden and Cliff Robinson come together in a conversation about race, sports and opportunity in the mid-1900’s. Robinson, who was a former batboy for the Indianapolis Clowns (Indy’s Negro League), along with Chief Curator of History at the Indiana State Museum Dale Ogden discuss exactly what it is that Wilson’s Troy is experiencing: life as an African-American athlete in the 1950’s. The discussion begins after the 2 PM performance. - MARCH 24 | COOKIES & COFFEE MATINEE & BACKSTAGE TOUR, WITH SPECIAL GUEST IRA MCKNIGHT
Enjoy cookies from Vanilla Bean Bakery and coffee before and during the intermission of your performance. Afterwards meet Ira McKnight, former catcher for the Kasas City Monarchs (1956-1963), as he shares his memorabilia and signs autographs. - MARCH 29 | HAPPY HOUR
Complimentary drinks from Sun King Brewing and New Day Mead plus 1/2 priced bar drinks all night long! - MARCH 30 | DINNER AND A SHOW WITH THE OCEANAIRE
Hand selected, three-course dinner for $75 per person. Reserve by calling the ticket office at 317-635-5252. This cannot be combined with other offers.
PERFORMANCE CALENDAR
- Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 PM
- Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 PM
- Friday, March 11 at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, March 12 at 5 PM
- Sunday, March 13 at 2 PM
- Tuesday, March 15 at 7:30 PM
- Friday, March 18 at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, March 19 at 5 PM
- Saturday, March 19 at 9 PM
- Sunday, March 20 at 2 PM
- Sunday, March 20 at 6 PM
- Thursday, March 24 at 2 PM
- Thursday, March 24 at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, March 26 at 1 PM
- Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, March 30 at 7:30 PM
- Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 PM
- Friday, April 1 at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, April 2 at 4 PM
- Saturday, April 2 at 8 PM
- Sunday, April 3 at 2 PM