March 25, 2005

Black Cultural Center presents spring theatrical production

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University Black Cultural Center’s theatrical ensemble, New Directional Players, will present a satire entitled "The Colored Museum" by George C. Wolfe at 7 p.m. April 8 and April 9 in the Black Cultural Center.

The play, which is free and open to the public, is a satire that focuses on racial and social stereotypes that exist about the African-American community, said director William Caise, BCC artist-in-residence.

"Wolfe takes aim at everyone in this work," Caise said. "He takes shots at stereotypes that have been placed on the African-American community from within and without. There are no sacred cows."

Some of the vignettes include a woman's struggle with her hair and what it says to the world about her and the Aunt Jemima character in a cooking demonstration.

"'Cookin' with Aunt Ethel' will feature a meal that the audience won't soon forget," Caise said. "The show deals with serious themes, but it is hysterical. Everyone will have fun."

The New Directional Players, formed in 1971, presents theatrical productions that explore thought-provoking subjects related to the black experience. The ensemble performs dramatic monologues, poetry and musicals, in additional to plays.

The Black Cultural Center is located on the Purdue campus at 1100 Third St.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765)494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Source: William Caise, (765) 494-4630, wpcaise@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

To the News Service home page