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May 20, 2010 St. Louis American |
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New Gitana Productions play shows wisdom among the humble
Every year, Gitana Productions awards an “Extraordinary/Ordinary” person and presents diverse, original arts programming. This year, the group is combining the two to present diverse, original arts programming about extraordinary/ordinary people.
From Friday, May 21 through June 6, Gitana Productions will present Eye on the Sparrow: The World Within St. Louis by award-winning playwright Lee Patton Chiles at Saint Louis University Theatre, 3733 West Pine Mall. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Based on actual stories of diverse St. Louisans, the play brings attention to the “sparrows” among us – the extraordinary yet ordinary people who enrich our lives.
“Some of our heroes are like sparrows, people of simple means and humble backgrounds whose work or deeds make our community better and inspire us to be better,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions.
Eye On The Sparrow follows one woman, Harper, as she falls from the grace of a good job, marriage and home to become one among the sparrows. Set within the community of St. Louis public transportation, Harper’s life becomes intertwined with the lives of ordinary but heroic people. Through their everyday struggles, fights and acts of kindness, these urban philosophers teach Harper how to begin her life again.
Special guests in the performance include St. Louis gospel singer Sister Ruth Ann Latchison-Nichols and Raven Wolf C. Felton Jennings II, a healing sound recording artist who performs spiritual jazz in the St. Louis tradition.
Latchison-Nichols has experienced tragedy in her own life. After being attacked by a gang at 15, she was told she would never have a child and was a drug addict for years. She eventually went cold turkey and later had a daughter. But two years ago, her 11-year-old daughter Esther Ruth was killed by a drunken driver. Ruth is now dedicated to providing her ministry to youth and to others experiencing tragedy and pain.
Raven Wolf performs solo jazz, drums, Native American flute and meditation and healing concerts throughout the Midwest. He is often seen playing saxophone in the University City Loop and at Soulard Farmer’s Market.
Tickets for the show are $15, or $12 for seniors 65-plus and students. For reservations or special group rates, call 314-721-6556 or email gitana@stlouis.missouri.org. Tickets also are available at Cafe Natasha, 3200 S. Grand; Screenz, 6680 Delmar; Macro Sun, 1310 Washington or 6273 Delmar; and the Living Insights Center, 6361 Clayton Rd. A limited number of free tickets are available for people who are regular Metro riders. For details, call (314) 721-6556.
The St. Louis American © May 2010
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