September 2022
Transcending Barriers to Human Connection with American Son, a play reading Series
September debuts the Courageous Conversations Program at the South Fulton Institute
Over the last nine months, we've heard from so many of our partners that the conversations about the South Fulton Institute have changed and are more relevant to our community. We have seen you make new connections to talented emerging artists, experience more of your local art centers, and discover creative opportunities to engage, educate, and connect across our region.
"We commit to programming that ignites courageous conversations and transcends barriers to human connection." This sentence is my favorite line in the SFI Artistic Values statement and together we've seen the power of these courageous decisions transform our organization, guiding our choices over the past two years, including the September 2022 launch of our Courageous Conversations Program. See dates/locations & reserve tickets here.
Thursday, September 15th, we are launching Connect: A Play Reading with American Son by Christopher Demos-Brown. This play reading and talk back series will occur at four locations throughout South Fulton County. Like all our programming, tickets are free and open to the public. After the reading, Dr. Tiffany Russell will lead the audience in a community conversation around the play's themes - a courageous conversation. Meet the Artist Here.
What exactly is a "Play Reading?" SFI has assembled a fantastic cast of professional actors who will read and act in the play. There are no production elements - no costumes, props, etc. Just the actors with the script and an opportunity to listen to the words without distraction. Their talent will bring to life American Son, a story about an American Family who finds themselves in a life-changing confrontation with race and bias. Learn more about what to expect, and gain a preview of our community conversation discussion guide here. (PDF)
This community conversation series is a powerful reminder of the courage required to ensure we all live the ideals behind our shared values. To learn more about our five Courageous Conversations programs, you can visit our programs page Courageous Conversations — SouthFultonInstitute.Org. In addition, you can learn more about Filmer, our artist-led film and documentary program - with new releases scheduled for January 2023.
Reserve your free ticket to the September 18th premiere. We hope to see you soon!
Yours in community,
Jennifer Bauer-Lyons
Executive Director
AMERICAN SON, part of the SFI play reading series
About:
AMERICAN SON
Full-Length Play, Drama / 1f, 3m
TW: This play contains offensive and racialized language and traumatic topics including police brutality and complex family dynamics.
SYNOPSIS: An estranged bi-racial couple must confront their feelings about race and bias after their son is detained by the local police following a traffic stop incident.
DIRECTOR - Jennifer Bauer-Lyons
DEI CONSULTANT - Dr. Tiffany Russell
STAGE MANAGER - Madeline Livingston
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR - Elissa Marele