Serendipity Celebrates Black History Month with Drama Desk Award-Winner "In White America"

"This is powerful theater for the simple reason that it taps into a powerful and moving history."                  ~chicagoreader.com

Serendipity Players is proud to bring a special production of “In White America” by Martin Duberman to their stage in celebration of Black History Month. 

The play is divided into two periods – the century prior to the American Civil War and the century that followed the war’s end. In epic style, it depicts the struggles of pre-Civil War abolitionist movements, the era of Reconstruction, early twentieth century racism and segregation, and the Civil Rights movement. 

Drawn from historical records by a professor at Princeton, this absorbing history of Blacks in America won the Off Broadway Drama Desk Award. From a letter revealing the heart and soul of a runaway slave to portraits of Sojourner Truth and Father Divine, each scene has enduring emotional power. 

Tickets: $15 – also available at the door 30 minutes before the performance. Reservations recommended. Leave information at 360.834.3588. For more information see Serendipity's website.

Dates: February 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

Times: 2 p.m. Sundays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; the 2 p.m., the theater is small and reservations recommended. The Sunday, February 24 show is “Pay What You Will” and tickets will only be available at the door. A “Meet the Players” Q&A event will take place after the February 24 matinee.

The performance is slated to include storytelling by members of Clark County’s founding African American families. Do you know any Black actors or people with roots in this community who might want to develop a story to tell at the end of this show? 

AUDITIONS: Historic play "In White America" about U.S. Black Struggles

Mixed race cast needed for upcoming Serendipity production.

"In White America" is divided by intermission into two acts. The first act deals with the century prior to the American Civil War. The second act covers the century that followed the war’s end.

In epic style, it depicts the struggles of pre-Civil War abolitionist movements, the era of Reconstruction, early twentieth century racism and segregation, and the Civil Rights movement. There will be additional local stories about Vancouver's African American community beginnings; Serendipity will be adding a local history piece about the Vancouver's African American community.

Please note that one of the auditions is at the Vancouver Housing Authority. The company is getting started early with auditions as they are anticipating some challenges recruiting Black actors in Vancouver, but with your help they hope to spread the word quickly!

NEEDED: 2 African American men and 1 African American woman, 2 Caucasian men and 1 Caucasian woman. 

There is a possibility for a second troupe to tour local schools with this historic play. Please don't be concerned about this if you are unavailable during school hours; they still want you to audition! Please forward this information to anyone you think would be interested.

Auditions will be held: Friday, November 9, 6-8 p.m. at the Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash.; Saturday, November 10, 11-1 p.m. at the Vancouver Housing Authority, 2500 Main St., Vancouver, Wash.; and Sunday, November 11, 1-3 p.m. again at  Serendipity Playhouse.

ALL ARE WELCOME, NO PREPARATION NECESSARY! JUST COME AND READ FROM THE SCRIPT!

Bridgette Fahnbulleh

Bridgette Fahnbulleh will direct this two-act play. Bridgette has over 25 years of experience directing plays that feature diverse cast and plays with inspiring and historical messages.

CONTACT: aapn29@yahoo.com or maima_acting@hotmail.com for more information.