SMOKED OYSTERS by Mary M. McCullough
In January 2020, I had the opportunity to direct Smoked Oysters by Mary M. McCullough for TC Squared Theatre. The project was staged in Egleston Square at the Greater Egleston High School for three nights in January. This new play, brilliantly written my Mary M. McCullough, told the story of a Ulysses Williams (Paul Benford-Bruce) a retired Black History Professor who was living with Alzheime'rs disease that only worsened after his wife, Arnetta (Letta Neely) passed away in a tragic accident. Zair Silva played Bernard Williams, the millennial son who had to learn how to be a care giver for his aging father after his mothers death. This was the first MainStage play I've directed for a theatre company, and I'm glad I prioritized producing this production in a predominantly black and brown community where the play was accessible to the communities reflected in the work. See the Broadway World Boston Review. Zair Silva who played Bernard Williams wrote to me, "Deen, I appreciated the patience you had throughout the process, I think that's what made it possible to have a successful show." Nothing means more to me than creating experiences where people of color feel cared for and considered. We centered people of color first on this project, and the results of this approach were felt by all. |
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PAST WORK:
When I Grow Up - Wheelock Family Theatre (2021)
South Shore Playwrights Festival - South Shore Playwrights (2020) GUPPIES reading - TC Squared Theatre Company (2019) EMMA STONE PROJECT workshop - produced by Daniel Park (2017-2020) THROUGH THE GLORY HOLE AND WHAT WE FOUND THERE - The Theater Offensive (2016) STIR FRY MAHJONG reading - TC Squared Theatre Company (2014) THIS IS ME PLAY PROJECT - Bucknell University (2013) |
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