The “Pipeline spotlight features a teacher and mother who is fiercely committed, as well as her son’s anger outbursts and the broken education system that could end his life. Along with the hot topic core issue are the passions, pressures and sometimes conflicting perspectives of those involved in it. New Stage Theatre presents “Pipeline”, March 10-22. The play is the premiere of Dominique Morisseau’s regional play. She’s one of the most popular playwrights in recent years and she’s also the author of “Ain’t Too Proud” on Broadway and “Shameless” on TV. Lincoln Center Theater’s production of “Pipeline” aired on PBS in 2018. “Dominique Morisseau… believes theater should be used as a starting
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Francine Thomas Reynolds, New Stage artistic directors and director of this production, said that conversation is key to addressing social problems and problem solving. I like this play because it asks many questions. It doesn’t leave you with many answers. It will leave them talking. Drama centers on the education, care, protection, and preparation of young people, especially African-American youth. Nya (Sharon Miles), a dedicated teacher at an inner-city high school and a mother who wants to provide her son Omari (Devin Hunter) with more opportunities through a private boarding college upstate. Nya must confront her son’s rage, her parents and the public and private schools as she fights for her son’s safety when a dispute at the private school threatens his future. In the midst of tension, urgency, and the looming threat of the school to prison pipeline, the weave of African-American literature (including Richard Wright’s poem “Native Son” as well as Gwendolyn’s poem “We Real Cool”) layers dramatic touchstones. The drama is sharp and fast-paced and touches on a variety of social issues including third-strike procedures and failing schools, school violence and discipline. It also discusses cultural stereotyping, racial bias and an educational system that does not serve all students equally. There are also moments of humor and whip-smart exchanges. The play is recommended for ages 14 and older; check www.newstagetheatre.com for an advisory on strong language and content. The cast finds much to relate with and the play will be a hit with Mississippi audiences, which has been struggling with the school-to prison pipeline. Sharon Miles describes her role as Nya. “What we have in common is our quest to find ways to save young black men specifically.” “That constant quest to understand, to empower, and to find out the unspoken scars we don’t discuss, and that we probably can’t even pinpoint — that’s what I feel is my quest. “What you see on this show is a mother fighting for her son’s life. She is fighting for our lives. You also have a teacher who is willing to fight for these kids.” With strong investments in public schools. Devin Hunter, actor, sees parallels to his role as Omari. It’s almost like what my father used to tell me when I was a child. “It’s just like that. One is that you are a man. He adds, “Two, is that your skin color is black.” Hunter also connects with Hunter on a personal level. He is the son of divorcing parents and he remembers the anger he felt when a teenager. “He has a lot rage and it’s deeper than he thinks.” Nya’s questions to Hunter are a valuable source of understanding. As a teenager, this is one of the greatest things you could receive — understanding and knowing that someone is listening to you. Hunter said that Omari is a good friend because he can understand the differences between passion and anger. Xavier, Omari’s father, is a successful marketing executive but is challenged in the emotional realm. Yohance Myles said that it was easy to handle numbers and people on paper and solve those problems. But when you have to deal with people’s emotions and lives, there are no answers. He too must listen. “That is again the conversation of, “What does it mean? “, from all the different angles.” The “Pipeline” cast includes Jaymi Horn, Omari’s girlfriend, Jo Ann Robinson, Laurie, a teacher, and Darius Omar Williams, Dun, a school security guard. Miles states that the beauty of the play is its focus on the frontlines of the pipeline battle — educators fighting to equal education, family dynamics, and complications in private and public schools — which encourages empathy. No matter what the news story, there is a person behind it. No matter what YouTube video it is, there’s a human behind it. There was a sequence that lead up to it. This play tells the whole story. The play states, “This is happening.” It affects us all. Let’s take a look at the world through the eyes of one another. * March 12 New Stage Theatre Dialogue — A post-show discussion moderated by Vangela Wade.
In the Hewes Room, Mississippi Center for Justice president/CEO. * March 15 Staged reading “Native Son” — Yolanda Williams will direct the reading of Nambi E.Kelly’s adaptation Richard Wright’s novel. It is part of the MIssissippi Play Series at 4 p.m., in the Hewes Room. For “Pipeline” ticketholders admission is free, for all others $5. * March 17th Educator Night — Teachers receive a $15 ticket along with a post-show discussion
Von Gordon, Youth Engagement Coordinator at the William Winter Institute moderated. * March 18 New Stage Theatre Dialogue — Discussion after the show led by Oleta Fitzgerald
Children’s Defense Fund, southern regional director in the Hewes Room. * March 20th Youth Night: Students get a discount on tickets and a post-show
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Discussion with cast members. * Ongoing: We Real Cool poetry contest performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays from March 10-22. Tickets cost $30 with discounts for seniors, military, students and other groups. Purchase tickets at the box office (1100 Carlisle Street in Jackson’s Belhaven neighborhood), by phone at 601-948-3533 or online at www.newstagetheatre.com.