In homage to Black History Month, Sinclair Community College’s Theatre Department will be presenting “Intimate Apparel,” a play focused on an African-American woman striving for her independence during a time where the color of your skin determined what you were able to do in life.
The play by Lynn Nottage is set in 1905 as an African-American woman living in lower Manhattan pursues a career as an independent seamstress.
“It’s about the social issues of the day and what she was up against,” Patti Celek, publicity specialist for Sinclair Theatre Department said. She explained how the play can tie into classes such as history and sociology.
“Not only is she an African-American woman, but she’s around thirty in the play and unmarried during a time when that was the most important thing for a woman to be,” Celek said.
Celek described the play as “thought provoking.” She explained how the department attempts to choose plays that are culturally diverse as often as possible.
“This play was probably chosen last February,” Celek said.
The months following that included finding a director, advertising, holding auditions and the beginning of rehearsals.
The cast includes Marva M.B. Williams as Esther, Catherine Collins as Mrs. Dickson, Kevin Erman as Mr. Marks, Katie Beyoglides as Mrs. Van Buren and Tray Shelton as George; with another potential two dozen working behind the scenes, according to Celek. Behind the scenes work includes lighting crews, costume shopping, set building and ticket sales.
Usually faculty members are appointed as director, but for this play the department decided to bring back someone from outside of Sinclair.
Monica L. Williams, the director of “Intimate Apparel” began her academic career at Sinclair.
“Sinclair provided me a nurturing place to start college learning and, at times, to start again” Williams said, who also directed the award-winning production of “Flyin’ West” by Pearl Cleage in 2006. Williams is excited to return to share what she called a wonderful story of hope, possibility, and courage to start again.
“I am inspired by students in their pursuit of their dreams and honored to participate with them in their journey,” she said.
The play has four performances that will begin Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors and Sinclair employees. The other performances are Friday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb., 10 at 2 p.m.
The performance on Feb. 9 will feature American Sign Language interpretations by ASL students Abigail Wiser and Amara Bowermaster.
“We can’t stress enough how much we appreciate the assistance of our American Sign Language student interpreters. It is a lot of work for them and they provide a valuable service to our college and community.” Celek said.
Students are able to use their Tartan card to purchase tickets at the box office the night of performances. Box office opens 90 minutes before the play begins. Tickets are also available online. For more information or to purchase tickets online, go to Sinclair.edu/tickets.