The following is a republished press release from the Homecoming Players and NOT written by The Ithaca Voice. Click here to submit community announcements directly to The Voice, or contact me at jalmendarez@ithacavoice.com.

ITHACA, N.Y. — HOMECOMING PLAYERS OPENS 5th Season with Endesha Ida Mae Holland’s powerful, personal, and poignant memoir play, From the Mississippi Delta. HP’s literary manager, Arthur Bicknell, had the privilege to work with Dr. Holland on the Off-Broadway debut of this magnificent piece of theatrical storytelling, and the company is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her inspirational story with Ithaca audiences.

“Transformation is what my play is about,” said Dr. Holland. “You have to keep going no matter how rough it seems. My mama used to say, ‘Don’t let nobody stop you, stand in your way,’ and that’s my motto to this day. I don’t let nothing stop me.”

A timely and nonpartisan message of encouragement that will resonate with citizens from all points of our current tumultuous political, civic, and social spectrums, this very special concert reading will be directed by the distinguished Sarah K. Chalmers, founding member of both Civic Ensemble and the Kitchen Theatre Company.

From the Mississippi Delta uses three actresses in eleven anecdotal scenes to relate the story of Holland’s impoverished upbringing in segregated Greenwood, Mississippi. It is also a story of success against all odds, as she tells of her struggle to earn a doctorate and become a playwright. It is a stunning theatrical experience and a much-needed reminder of the unbridled tenacity of the human spirit.

“In the play’s most potent moments, harrowing episodes are tempered with humor and tenderness. From the Mississippi Delta celebrates the resilience and the jubilation of the female human spirit.” —Alvin Klein, New York Times

FEATURING:

  • Awachie Chisom
  • Leslyn McBean-Clairborne
  • Sylvie Yntema

DIRECTED by Sarah K. Chalmers

  • Stage Manager for Homecoming Players: Leo Taylor
  • Stage Manager for Kitchen Theatre Company: Tasha Sinclair

All seats, general admission, $18.

Get your tickets three ways:

Two performances only:

  • Monday, 2/6, and Monday, 2/13, at 7:30 pm
  • Kitchen Theatre Company at 417 West State Street

(This play is part of the Kitchen Theatre Company’s Kitchen Sink Series that has support from CFCU Federal Credit Union.)

Jolene Almendarez is Managing Editor at The Ithaca Voice. She can be reached at jalmendarez@ithacavoice.com; you can learn more about her at the links in the top right of this box.