Greensboro College Theatre Presents One-Act Plays, “The Tricky Part” and “Paul Robeson,” Oct. 18-21

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Greensboro College Theatre presents two one-act plays, Martin Moran’s “The Tricky Part” and Phillip Hayes Dean’s “Paul Robeson,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 18-20, and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 20-21, in the Annie Sellars Jordan Parlor Theatre in Main Building on campus.

Tickets are $10 and may be reserved by calling 336-272-7102, ext. 5242, or emailing tickets@greensboro.edu.

“The Tricky Part,” a true story of sexuality, spirituality and the mystery of human experience, is one of the most heralded one-man plays in recent memory.

Between the ages of 12 and 15, the author had a sexual relationship with an older man. Now 42 and an established New York actor, he has transformed his story into a riveting, often funny and always surprising journey through the complexities of Catholicism, desire and human trespass.

The New York premiere received a 2004 Obie award and two Drama Desk nominations including Outstanding Play.

“Paul Robeson” is a powerful chronicle of the life of the lawyer, actor and singer, taking us from his childhood in New Jersey to his adult life around the world. An All-American athlete and a lawyer with Columbia Law School credentials, Robeson faces the racism prevalent in society in the early part of the 20th century. He strives to rise above it, and it is his triumph in that struggle that turns Robeson into a modern-day hero.

Realizing the racist system would not allow him to practice as a lawyer, Robeson turns to singing, something he had learned well in the church choir. His singing leads to acting, and his acting, with all the accolades due a master, leads him around the world. But every place he visits he sees the strains of racism in its many forms. The more he sees, the more he speaks out, using his influence and stature to try to enlighten those around him. After some time in Europe, he returns to the United States to perform and speak out about the injustices in the country he loves. Confronting racism again, he sticks to his values, adhering to no party line, but is accused of being a Communist, an agitator and much more. He is blacklisted and his passport is revoked, but he goes on speaking out whenever he can.

For eight years he fights to clear his name. Finally, the social climate begins to change and towards the end of his life, Robeson’s passport is reinstated along with some of the glory and respect he earned along the way. There is still far to go, but Paul Robeson remains a beacon to those struggling to make this world a better place. This play is a powerful look at the many facets of Robeson the man, as well as Robeson the star, and is a tour-de-force for any actor.

Greensboro College’s Department of Theatre seeks to provide a strong foundation in theatre while allowing the student to emphasize in a particular area such as directing, acting, or arts administration.

The coursework is integrated with the production work to provide a better understanding of the many facets of the theatre. Required participation on stage or backstage on all theatre productions allows the techniques and theories that are examined in the classroom and the laboratory to be tested in a performance setting.

For more information on the program, contact David Schram at 336-272-7102, ext. 5243, or email schramd@greensboro.edu.

Greensboro College provides a liberal-arts education grounded in the traditions of the United Methodist Church and fosters the intellectual, social, and, spiritual development of all students while supporting their individual needs.

Founded in 1838 and located in downtown Greensboro, the college enrolls about 1,000 students from 29 states and territories, the District of Columbia, and seven foreign countries in its undergraduate liberal-arts program and six master’s degree programs. In addition to rigorous academics and a well-supported Honors program, the school features an 18-sport NCAA Division III athletic program and dozens of service and recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.greensboro.edu.

Think critically. Act justly. Live faithfully.

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Media Contact:
Lex Alexander, Director of Communications
lex.alexander@greensboro.edu

Greensboro College
815 W. Market St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-272-7102, ext. 5398
Cell: 336-707-6617
www.greensboro.edu

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