The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is bringing Pulitzer-prize winning playwright August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” to the stage this season.
Directed by Timothy Douglas, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” showcases a story of self-discovery, spirituality and new beginnings for African Americans at the turn of the century, according to a press release.Presented by the Indianapolis Foundation, in partnership with Syracuse Stage, the show is running Jan. 27-Feb. 22 on the IRT’s OneAmerica Financial Stage.
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” which initially premiered in 1986, takes place in a Pittsburg boarding house in 1911. The story follows the lives of descendants of formerly enslaved African Americans who traveled North in search of new jobs and new beginnings. At the heart of the story is Herald Loomis, who is seeking his missing wife alongside a sense of his newfound identity, according to a press release.
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is “one of the greatest plays of American theatre — of world theatre,” Richard J. Roberts, IRT’s resident dramaturg, said in a statement. “Earthy, profound, mysterious, deeply spiritual, and a little bit magical, this play will touch your soul.”
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The IRT’s production features a cast and crew with members from across the country and a long history of Broadway, Off-Broadway, film and TV credits — including Keith Randolph Smith (Seth Holly) and Shane Taylor (Herald Loomis), Tony Cisek (scenic designer) and Timothy Douglas. All of which are marking their returns to the IRT.
Throughout the run of the show, the IRT will host supplemental programming — including a Community Conversation with IRT Community Ambassadors, historians, community elders and cultural workers on Jan. 31 following the 5 p.m. performance.
Artist Conversations, which provide a behind-the-scenes perspective of the show, featuring actors, directors and designers, takes place after the performances on Feb. 5, 12 and 14. The ASL/AD performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 8
“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is onstage at the IRT, 140 W. Washington St., Jan. 27-Feb. 22. The show is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets start at $27. For more information or to view a performance schedule, visit irtlive.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
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