Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Theatre to present award-winning play "Fences"

Contact: Rene Abadie

4/21/10

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Southeastern Louisiana University Theatre instructor Chad Winters, right, makes a point to student actors Gerrin Narcisse of Lacombe, left, and Rodney Washington of New Orleans during rehearsal for the play “Fences,” which will be performed at the university April 28 – May 1.

     HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University Theatre will present the award-winning play “Fences” at 7:30 p.m. April 28- May 1 at the Vonnie Borden Theatre.
     Theater instructor Chad Winters directs the heartbreaking tale of Troy Maxon, a black athlete in the 1950’s who feels he has been cheated by life. Due to a lifetime of abuse and disappointment, the ex-con, ex-athlete works as a garbage collector in racially charged Pittsburgh and enacts a series of questionable and reprehensible actions throughout the production. 
     “Troy Maxon is a former star baseball player – a home run king, actually – in the old Negro Leagues who believes his shot at the majors was deprived due to racism,” said Winters. “Despite his pride in being a responsible and loving family man, he allows his anger and resentments to bring havoc to the lives of all those he cares about.”
     Written by August Wilson, who won the Pulitizer Prize for Drama for the play, “Fences” won the Tony Award for best play in 1987, as well as the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. James Earl Jones, who played Troy Maxon in the Broadway production, won a Tony for best actor.
     Student Gerrin Narcisse of Lacombe plays the lead role of Troy Maxon. Other cast members include: Rodney Washington of New Orleans as Troy’s son Cory, Naomi Howard of Gonzales as Troy’s wife Rose, Jaren Mitchell of New Orleans as Gabriel, and Brandon Atkins of Jackson, Miss., in the role of Jim Bono. Also performing are Dante Bidwell of New Orleans as Lyons and Chloe Casnave of Folsom as Raynell.
     Tickets for “Fences” are free for Southeastern students, $10 for adults and $5 for seniors. For more information, contact the theatre program at 985-549-2115.