Looking for Lilith Theatre Company
presents
a new work-in-development
starring Morgan M. Younge
Lifecycle of a Blackberry
based on the writings of Kentucky Poet Laureate
Crystal E. Wilkinson
Director: Keith McGill
Assistant Director: Ebony Jordan
March 21-24
The MeX Theater at The Kentucky Center
Honoring the stories of Black Appalachian women and girls!
LIFECYCLE OF A BLACKBERRY is a new work-in-development starring Morgan M. Younge which honors the stories of Black Appalachian women and girls, using as inspiration the books Blackberries, Blackberries, Birds of Opulence, and Perfect Black, written by Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal E. Wilkinson, founding member of the Affrilachian Poet movement. This show is a rare opportunity for audiences to get to see three different types of books - poetry, short stories, and novel - combined into one theatrical experience. Wilkinson’s works are centered around the black experience and feminism and art. Her words in storytelling create dynamic pictures of women's lives and the characters make you believe you know these women and her stories have the power to captivate and connect people from all walks of life.
At a Staged Reading of the first 10 minutes of the script in January, audiences described Morgan’s performance as excellent, genuine, heartfelt, tender, evocative, and nuanced, and one wrote:
“Her performance was punctuated with appreciative laughter and sympathetic sighs as she deftly moved from one character to another with ease and an evident dedication to portraying the full humanity of each character.”
We know that by lifting up these voices and sharing these unique stories through theatre, we can fight stereotypes, reflect some of the most under-heard stories of the Appalachian region, and create a powerful ripple effect of empathy and understanding. Through this shared experience, we can build a stronger community rooted in trust, equity, and justice.
“I believe that this work is going to be powerful and uplifting to those in the Affrilachian communities and Appalachian communities. It’s time to hear these stories, to learn about these women and the lives they’ve led. The audience will go home with a better understanding of family, love, and what it takes to keep going and to keep striving.” – Morgan M. Younge
Along with March performances, there are plans for touring the play throughout Kentucky, especially to Appalachia.
LIFECYCLE OF A BLACKBERRY
March 21, 22, 23 @ 7:30p
March 24 @ 2:00p
*talk-backs after every performance*
The MeX Theater at
The Kentucky Center
501 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
TICKETS: $20 (+fees)
CALL FOR GROUP RATES
Ticket prices DO NOT include KPA
& credit card processing fees.
Kentucky Performing Arts Box Office
800.775.7777 | 502.584.7777
Age recommendation: 18 & up
CW/TW: Sexual content (including rape)
and discussion of mental illness
Audio Description and ASL
BY REQUEST ONLY.
Reservations must be made in advance by March 1st. Contact the ArtsAccessibility Hotline at (502) 566-5111 (V) or (502) 566-5140 (TTY) or email ArtsAccessibility.
PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY
Devising Team
Head playwright and performer Morgan M. Younge, LFL company member and Berea College alum, worked to create this new play with a devising team including LFL members Tiera Bowman, Meg Caudill, Ebony Jordan, Jennifer Thalman Kepler, Karole Spangler, Shannon Woolley Allison (Devising Mentor) and guest deviser Jasemine Reed, with additional contributions from the LFL company ensemble.
Design & Production Team
Director: Keith McGill
Asst. Director: Ebony Jordan*
Production Manager: Shannon Woolley Allison*
Stage Manager: Megan Meyer
Scenic & Projections Designer: Alonzo Ramont
Lighting Designer: Lindsay Krupski
Lighting Assistant: Jay Marie Padilla-Hayter
Costume Designer: Tiera Bowman*
Sound Designer: Alex Biscardi
Props Designer: Krasel Morales
Graphic Designer: Holly Stone
*LFL Company Member
Lifecycle of a Blackberry was made possible with funding by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Theater Project, with lead funding from the Mellon Foundation and additional support from the Doris Duke Foundation. The creation process was funded in part by a grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women.