News Summary
Charlotte will host the premiere of the powerful play ‘…what the end will be,’ written by Mansa Ra. Debuting on May 2, this significant production explores the lives of Black men across generations, addressing themes of identity and sexuality. Directed by James Webb, the play aims to resonate with diverse audiences and sparks dialogue about vulnerability and family dynamics. Following its successful off-Broadway release, this event highlights the importance of representation in the arts. Ticket sales now open for an engaging and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
Charlotte is set to host the premiere of a groundbreaking new play, “…what the end will be,” written by Mansa Ra, which will debut on May 2 and run until May 18 at The Arts Factory at West End Studios. This important production is significant as it marks the play’s first appearance in the Southeast following its successful off-Broadway release in June 2022.
The narrative at the heart of the play explores the experiences of three generations of Black men living under one roof, emphasizing their distinct perspectives on identity and sexuality. Central themes include codeswitching—the practice of altering language and behavior in different social contexts—along with vulnerability and the intricate dynamics of family relationships.
With the current climate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the arts, the play holds particular relevance. The director of the show, James Webb, a gay Black man, highlighted the necessity of the play’s message in modern society, aiming for a wider audience that extends beyond the LGBTQ community. He is focused on ensuring that everyone can see aspects of themselves within the narrative.
Dionte Darko stars as Tony, a character who grapples with the acceptance of his identity amidst his family’s traditional views. This central conflict resonated with Darko, who feels a strong personal obligation to authentically portray his character, which reflects broader issues faced by many LGBTQ individuals in similar situations.
The production features a compact cast of six characters and is structured to result in 10 performances held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Each showing will last approximately 90 minutes with no intermission, providing a concentrated and engaging theatre experience. The play will contain adult language, sexual content, and discussions on end-of-life decisions, so audience discretion is advised.
To foster community engagement and dialogue, a talkback session with Charlotte Black Pride will take place after the opening performance, allowing attendees to explore the themes of the play in further detail. Tickets for “…what the end will be” are available for purchase online and provide an opportunity to witness a compelling depiction of Black life and LGBTQ experiences.
The positive reception from critics further underscores the significance of this production; for instance, a notable publication praised the show, affirming it embodies the essence of the Black Lives Matter movement. By addressing complex issues related to identity and societal expectations through storytelling, “…what the end will be” positions itself as an essential contribution to contemporary theatre.
Overall, this play aims to bridge generational divides and challenge existing narratives within the Black community, all while delivering a poignant and relatable exploration of life, love, and mortality. The combination of a compelling narrative, diverse representation, and community involvement sets the stage for a thought-provoking theatrical experience in Charlotte.
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Additional Resources
- The Charlotte Post
- Wikipedia: Theatre in the United States
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Search: Black theater in Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Scholar: Black theater
- Broadway World
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theatre
- QCity Metro
- Google News: Charlotte arts and theater
