UNC Mirror

Issue date: 10/1/07 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Jade DeGood Reading a letter to her father Godfrey, played by sophomore acting major Deshawn Harow Mitchell, 17 year old Ernestine Crumb, played by junior acting major Joya Moore.

Media Credit: Jade DeGood Aunt Lily, senior acting major Yumarie Morales, comes back into the lives of the Crumb family after years of separation. Ernestine, junior acting major Joya Moore, and Ermina, freshman music theatre major Cherish Martin, sit with surprise of this high fashion relative as their father Godfrey, sophomore acting major Deshawn Harow Mitchell, is puzzled.

The University of Northern Colorado theatre department's upcoming production will undoubtedly get audiences talking not only about the skilled performances, but about the work of an award-winning writer.

"Crumbs from the Table of Joy," by prominent African-American playwright Lynn Nottage, is an insightful look at a 1950s family experiencing the tumultuo?us events of the times. The primary focus is on the eldest daughter of the family, Ernestine Crump (junior acting major Joya Moore), who is looking forward to graduating from high school and dealing with the changes in her family's life.

"Ernestine is a very hopeful and modest character," Moore said. "It's a story about hope and she doesn't stop believing. She really helps hold her family together."

Junior acting major DeShawn Mitchell plays Crump's father Godfrey, a recent widower struggling to adjust.

"I just want to say that I'm proud to be part of such an important production at UNC," Mitchell said. "The first time we step on that stage we will be making history. That is mind-blowing in itself. 'Crumbs from he Table of Joy' allows minorities at UNC to actually be a part of the theatre program if they felt they weren't before. We are trying to reach out to everyone with the show."

The play is directed by Tracy Salter, who helmed the drama "Flags" last semester.

"It's a beautiful, poignant, relatable show," Salter said. "It's also the first play that we've done here that is specifically about African-American characters. By choosing a play like this, we're expanding into a wealth of literature to which people are not always exposed."

Junior acting major Kat Doyle said the rehearsals have been coming along.

"It's been really fun working with the rest of the cast because we've become like a family," Doyle said. "It's great because it's a unique show that teaches acceptance and opens the door to other people's way of life."

Doyle plays Godfrey's new wife, a German woman named Gerte Schultze.

Although the play's themes about race are a crucial part , it is not to be taken as the only message.

"The show isn't only about race, and I hope that people will see that," Salter said. "It's about all people and families. Most of all, it's about one girl who doesn't know what the future holds."

"Crumbs from the Table of Joy" will play in the Norton Theatre, with shows Wednesday through Saturday and Oct. 9-13 at 8 p.m., and matinees on Sunday and Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase through the UNC ticket office.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools