L. Patton Chiles, formerly of Historyonics, to direct Nov. 3-5
Race and class structure play major roles in the newest production by the Department of Theater, Dance and Media Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
The department will present the world premiere performance of I-2195 at 8 p.m. Nov. 3, 4 and 5 in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.
I-2195, by Seattle-based playwright Barbara Lindsay, is an ambitious play that takes place in the future. The story revolves around Lucinda Celeste, a former freedom fighter who is trying to live in quiet isolation. However, the government and Lucinda’s followers won’t leave
her alone. The play focuses on Lucinda’s clashes with the government, her relationship with her son Otto and her final act of rebellion.
I-2195 won the national Women’s Playwright Competition, which was sponsored by Women in the Arts at UMSL. More than 80 women submitted original, full-length, unpublished and unproduced plays for the competition.
The performance will be the world premiere for the play. The director is L. Patton Chiles, a St. Louis-area writer, director and actor and former artistic director of the Missouri Historical Society’s Historyonics Theatre Company.
Bold casting choices by Chiles add the element of race to the class-war structure of the play. As produced, the story will pit blacks against a suppressive white government. Three of the four roles will be played by African Americans.
Chiles said she decided to cast in this manner after watching the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. She spoke to the playwright, who was excited about the concept.
“I believe the playwright originally hoped to provoke discussion about individual rights in a time when we as individuals are allowing our rights to be restricted in the name of national security,” Chiles said.
“Race was not an intended aspect of the play, as written, but casting it in such a manner adds to the play’s powerful message about the social, economic and racial divisions in this country.”
Chiles stressed, “In the end, it comes down to individuals – their relationships, principles and courage.”
Lucinda will be portrayed by seasoned actor Thomasina Clarke, of St. Louis. She is joined in the cast by: Eric Conners, as Otto Celeste; Myron McNeill, as Rex Eaglejeep; and Trey Kerr, as government official Luther.
Conners, a graduate of Webster University, is the first Equity Guest Artist hired for a UMSL production. McNeill and Kerr are students at UMSL.
“We have some wonderful actors who bring depth to each of the play’s roles,” Chiles said.
The large-scale set – designed by Timothy Poertner, assistant professor of theater at UMSL – will impress the audience as well, according to Chiles.
Tickets to I-2195 are $6 to $12. Call (314) 516-4949 or visit www.touhill.org to purchase tickets.
