By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — The latest production from the Tennessee Playwrights Studio (TPS) offers a powerful message, one that no doubt will resonate with audiences the way it did with the cast and crew both before and during rehearsals. “Fan Me With a Brick,” a stirring work written by Kenley Smith and directed by Shawn Whitsell, with original research by V. Yalewa Sparrowhawk Ferguson, debuts this weekend at the Darkhorse Theater, 4601 Charlotte Avenue. For Whitsell, one of Nashville’s busiest and most prolific theatrical personalities, this play has struck a lot of chords due to its story, which is based on true events. It’s about a woman trying to learn more of her family history, only to see her efforts open a painful portal filled with loss and pain. She’s joined by her mother, and the two uncover the truth about an affair that occurred in Virginia at the height of Jim Crow. There’s also a stolen child, a lost parent, and a horrific accident that all have a major impact on the outcome.
“Before we even began rehearsing, we all came together and talked about family situations,” Whitsell told the Tribune during an interview last weekend. “it is such a strong story, and I’ve got such a fine cast, that it really brings out a lot as we began putting things together.”
The cast includes Tanya Anderson, Briana C. Finley, Dee Hammonds, Leslie Hammonds, Tony Insignares, Myah Jackson, Ethan H. Jones, Josh Kiev, JR Knowles, Angela Martin, Kysa Otis, and Kinston Smith.
Additional contributors are Happy Allen, (Lighting Design), Dee Benn (Costume Design), Jonah Burch (Sound Design), LaTia Lewis (Stage Manager), and E. Roy Lee (Set Design & Construction). Smith, the co-founder and co-director of TPS has been in Nashville since 2011. He came to town as an Ingram New Works Playwright and facilitated the Writing Room at Nashville Rep from 2015-2017/. Smith has had several plays produced in Chicago, Nashville, Memphis and Omaha, and had productions chosen as MainStage selections three times at Omaha’s Great Plains Theatre Conferemce.
In addition to being a director, Whitsell is an actor, producer and playwright, and the founder of the Destiny Theatre Experience. He has worked with Tennessee Playwrights Studio, Nashville Children’s Theatre, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Dream 7 Productions, Monument Theatre Company, SistaStyle Productions and other theatre production companies. He also tours “23/1,” his one-man show about solitary confinement, which the Nashville Scene called “The Best Blend of Theatre and Activism.” When he isn’t doing theatre, Whitsell facilitates a variety of workshops, ranging from drama to spoken word to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“If I had to choose and tell you where my heart really lies, it’s writing,” he said. “That’s what excites me the most, but when you get a project like this and a great cast and you get to shape and craft the presentation, there’s a special feeling to that. But when you write something, that’s your own creation. However I would really see I really enjoy the arts and every facet of them. Bringing these great stories to the audience is a real thrill, and I think with “Fan Me With A Brick” we have a story that will really hit home with almost everyone, regardless of age or background.”
“Fan Me With a Brick” tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Opening night special sale of $10 tickets can be purchased in advance until June15th. More information about upcoming TPS events can be found at tnplaywrights.org.
