The Hiatus Is Over… Tony Award Winning Drama “The River Niger” Comes Back To Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - April 9, 2015 - PRLog -- “I am the River Niger—hear my waters...”  May 14 through May 24, 2015 First World Theatre Ensemble in association with Kaged Tiger Productions brings back to the Philadelphia stage Joseph A. Walker’s award winning drama, The River Niger directed by Deb deCastro Braak at CEC’s Meeting House Theater located 3500 Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. Showtimes are 8:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 2:00 pm on Sundays. Senior, student, and group rates are available.

“...naively 'romantic,' emotionally stirring… Through its rough naturalism there runs a vein of authentic poetry…” -director-critic Harold Clurman. The River Niger is a three-act play that was originally produced Off-Broadway in 1972 by the Negro Ensemble Company and won an Obie Award before being transferred to Broadway and winning a Tony Award in 1974.

“For if you remain silent at this time... but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Est 4:14. 1970 until 2015, the Black male and Black family are still under attack. As Esther was counseled about the value of her position to the deliverance of her people, First World Theatre Ensemble and Kaged Tiger Productions present THE RIVER NIGER “for such a time as this.” As Black male lives are devalued and being snuffed out recklessly by law enforcement and gang activity, as the law attempts to become lawless, Joseph A. Walker’s THE RIVER NIGER brings us present to the realization that even if you don't understand the Black culture way of loving each other, does not mean that all Black men do not take care of their family.

A son's homecoming has him making the difficult transition into adulthood in which he must confront his father who is experiencing his own crisis and transition as he tries to make a success of his own failures, accept his wife's transition and son's independence. Can the love of a family overcome a lifetime of pain?

Producing Artistic Director Zuhairah McGill has formed a dynamic collaboration with Kaged Tiger Productions, CEC, and other affiliates who believe strongly in the quality of First World’s work and mission. “I am so excited and driven by First World’s active board, new volunteers, and interns as well as our Kaged Tiger association and renewed residency with CEC,” states Ms. McGill. “To a new cross-section of audience via some of Philadelphia’s of best talent, we’ll unveil this award winning drama that plays out like a Greek tragedy… with all its anguish, sadness, bitterness, and most importantly, love for one another displayed in a twisted way.”

Deb deCastro Braak works to immerse and emotionally engage the audience in this journey of affirmation through intimate internal and social struggles. Deb is a veteran director, actor, and dramaturg in the Philadelphia region having directed area productions of Macbeth, A Piece of My Heart, Comedy of Errors, Charley’s Aunt, The Woman in Black, Blithe Spirit, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, On the Razzle, Art, My Mother Said I Never Should, Copenhagen, Red Herring, The Lady’s Not for Burning, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Our Town. She has also been the Education Director at The Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, The Wilma Theater, and Hedgerow Theatre and she serves on the Board for First World Theatre Ensemble.

About the Playwright
Joseph Alexander Walker (1935–2003), born in Washington, D.C., was an American playwright, screenwriter, theater director, actor and professor best known for his writing of the Obie and Tony Award winning drama, The River Niger. Walker earned an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Howard University, received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drama from Catholic University, taught Drama at Howard University and served as chairman of the Theater Department at Rutgers University. Walker was one of the first African Americans, along with Lorraine Hansberry, to win the Tony Award for best promising play. His efforts and talents drew him critical acclaim at the Negro Ensemble Company (NEC) with Douglas Turner Ward as the artistic director. The River Niger's run was one of the NEC's longest consecutive runs. Other works include the drama District Line, Yin-Yang, The Harangues (Tribal Harangue 1, 2,and 3), The Lion is a Soul Brother, Out of the Ashes, Absolution of Willie Mae, Koulaba D. Haiti, and the musical King Buddy Bolden.

Schedule
Opening & Press Night – Fri May 15th – Reception 7pm
Talk Back Sunday – May 17th
Early bird Special: Patrons use code 2FER and get two tickets for $33 to any show! Special only available for purchases made through April 30, 2015.

First World Theatre’s 2015 Season continues with Lois Moses’ Say That He Had More Than A Dream, the world premiere of Richard LaMonte Pierce’s THE IMMORTALS and the Who’s On First Reading Series. For season subscription, tickets, and ad packages visit First World’s website at www.firstworldtheatre.biz or call toll-free 1 (866) 811-4111.

First World Theatre Ensemble, founded 2001 by Zuhairah McGill, is a resident of the Community Education Center (CEC) Theatre Now Residency. As the Community Education Center (CEC), a nonprofit performing arts center and artists incubator space, was founded by local community members to promote shared experiences and nurture fellowship among its varied neighborhoods across cultural and economic differences, First World Theatre Ensemble, committed to achieving artistic excellence in professional theatre and bringing quality to the stage, tells stories that express and portray the flavor and circumstances of the community, allows the voice of the human spirit to be heard, and ensures when the audience leaves the theater that they are inspired to make a change in themselves and their community.

Kaged Tiger Productions founded 2011 by Ron Lee Jones missions to produce and maintain classic African American works as well as promote new projects and renditions in a professional setting. Kaged Tiger aims to break stereotypes by presenting artistic pieces that inspire, educate, and spiritually uplift the community.

This production is made possible in partnership with the CEC and Kaged Tiger Productions. For more information contact Zuhairah McGill at (267) 329-9746 or info@firstworldtheatre.biz.

Principles available for interview.