Zuhairah McGill, Producing Artistic Director of First World Theatre Ensemble, Brings Senator LeAnna Washington, Prison Society, National Organization for Women, Philly Now, Women in Transition and author Aginah Shabazz to First World's "Talk Back Sundays" To Begin Dialogue for Solutions for Issues Impacting Women In Prison
"I was watching that belly move, then one day, I did it..." --Agrippa. These chilling words come from the character Agrippa in Peter DeAnda's play "Ladies In Waiting." First World Theatre Ensemble and its Founder/Producing Artistic Director, Zuhairah McGill will present the Philadelphia Premiere of "Ladies In Waiting" September 23 through October 10, 2010 at the Theater @Swarthmore United Methodist Church located 129 Park Avenue, Swarthmore, PA (less than five minutes from the Springfield Mall).
What is even more chilling than Agrippa's words is the fact, as stated by Zuhairah McGill, "A play written in 1969 about inhumane conditions impacting women in prison is still, and may be even more relevant today in 2010."
So, with every play that First World Theatre Ensemble produces, they host "Talk Back Sundays." "Talk Back Sundays" for "Ladies In Waiting" will be held immediately follow the 2:00 pm matinee performances on Sunday September 26th with panelists Senator LeAnna Washington, Kathy Calloway, Prison Society, Donna Williams, M.S.W., Women In Transition, National Organization for Women, and PhillyNow and on Sunday, October 3rd panelists include the Prison Society and Aginah Shabazz (author of "Choicez" and writer, director, and executive producer of documentary "Justice For Her").
The Drug Policy Alliance reports, "Understanding the status of women in US society is another component of the American imprisonment binge... The problems that lead women to prison: abuse and battering, economic disadvantage, substance abuse, unsupported parenting responsibilities-- have become more criminalized as contemporary society ignores the context of these women's lives."
The Talk Backs on Sunday September 26th and October 3rd will examine: 1] how is it that women who are involved in domestic violence situations, in a society with laws that are supposed to protect them, end up dead or placed in prison?, 2] why are women in the penal system being shackled while giving birth?, and 3] will we continue to act as an inhumane society or will we be a society that says “no more.”
Zuhairah proclaims, "First World Theatre Ensemble only produces social issue-driven plays. We believe that theatre can no longer just entertain, the audience must go home and wake up the next day asking themselves the question, ‘Will I be part of the problem…or part of the solution?"
"Ladies In Waiting" kicks-off First World Theatre Ensemble's All About Eve 2010-2011 Season and runs Sept 23 thru Oct 10, 2010, 8pm shows Thurs thru Sat and 2pm matinee on Sundays, except 5pm show on Sunday Oct 10th. Directed by Larry Moses, "Ladies In Waiting" features the stellar ensemble of Erin Regan, Kim Graham, Christine Williams, Karen Waller-Martin, Ivy Staten, Laneshe Miller White and Simone Linden Baum.
Use discount Code BPN (for Black Professional News) and Save $3 on all General Admission tickets. For more information, tickets, and group discounts call 1-866-811-4111 or visit www.firstworldtheatre.biz.
