Powerful play of love and race
THE International Arts Foundation of New Orleans and The Playhouse Company present the South African premiere of the acclaimed stage drama We Live Here by US playwright Harold Ellis Clark, whose work has been compared to the plays of Athol Fugard.
The performance marks a sister-city cultural exchange between New Orleans and Durban.
The powerfully written work tackles racial hatred, fear and intolerance, which continue to challenge relations between communities all over the world.
We Live Here tells of Calvin and Francine Chaisson, a married black couple from the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, who move into a new home located in an all-white neighbourhood. Two weeks later a racial slur is written on their property and Calvin catches the alleged perpetrator.
Civil rights activist Reverend Thomas Todd pleads with Calvin to allow him to hold a major protest march, an activity Francine is vehemently against.
Her feelings and frank meeting with Richard Rodrigues, one of the alleged perpetrator’s relatives, force Calvin to consider Todd’s wish. Another racial incident at his home that threatens the health of Francine and their unborn child, adds fuel to the inflammatory situation.
We Live Here opens in The Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban on May 5 at 7.30pm and May 6 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, May 7 at 2pm. Tickets R175 R250. Block booking discounts available as is a 30% discount to students and pensioners. Book through Computicket or the Playhouse box office at 031 369 9540.