While the Nashville audience awaits the new season of plays at Kennie Playhouse Theater, they have a chance to enjoy this weekend a live staged reading of Nathan Lewis Jackson’s “Broke-Ology.” This is part of a gala that combines a grand opening, community night, and a fundraiser. The reading will feature Paj Jackson Jr., Clark Harris, Joel Diggs, and Alishia Marshall. Things get underway at 4 p.m. and continue until 6:30 p.m. at their headquarters, 1925 Herman Street.
“Broke-ology” is the story of two sons at crossroads. Their mother died years before, and their father is getting increasingly feeble as a result of multiple sclerosis. The older son, Malcolm, managed to escape the poverty of their hardscrabble neighborhood. He’s back from grad school to help take care of his father, but he wants to move to another city and further his career. The younger brother, happy-go-lucky Ennis, has remained at home, but now his girlfriend is pregnant, and he’s scrambling to get more shifts at his dead-end restaurant job—and chafing at the increased responsibility he faces. Jackson, who grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, has described the play as “a little bit of fiction mixed with real-life things.” It’s been presented at many famous sites, among them Juilliard and Lincoln Center, and previous editions have been reviewed in the New York Times and other publications.
Kennie Dozier is the founder and artistic director of Kennie Playhouse Theatre. He said its mission is “to create a platform that gives the underserved acting community an opportunity to perform for a diverse audience. Producing high-quality theatrical productions that are entertaining, historical, stimulating, and educational commemorating the African American experience. Engaging and inspiring the dreams of youth through education.”
He added, “For years we’ve been producing theatre right here in Nashville, Tenn. Reaching higher and higher to bring theatre to the forefront of the Nashville entertainment community. Producing shows with messages that would enlighten its audiences beyond belief. Not only have we produced plays but acting camps for kids, acting workshops, and play readings too. I want to encourage you to come visit and support us as we seek to have a positive impact on the community in which we live.”
For more information on upcoming Kennie’s Playhouse events, visit the website at info@kennieplayhousetheater.org or call 615-410-5021.
Copyright TNTRIBUNE 2024. All rights reserved.
