New stage play to tackle themes of police brutality, racism, classism and sexism
Dynamic, powerful and shocking are three words that have been used to describe a new stage play that is making its way into the hearts of many theatre-goers. As an avid theatre participant, I love a good stage production, but I also love a production that can truly capture my heart on issues that are relevant.
There is one stage play that has been catching the eye of many theatre goers and is currently on tour. Tom Cat, an original stage production that that takes the audience back to 1951 in Indianapolis, IN and Kincaid County Mississippi during a time of segregation and separation of the races and of an untimely, ill-fated, interracial love triangle.
After Tom Cat wraps in Louisville, theatre goers in Atlanta can expect to see the show.
A very interesting take on Tom Cat is the audience members get the opportunity to relive some of the past experiences that happened during the pre-civil rights era that echoes many of the current modern day issues such as racism, classicism, sexism, police brutality, crime and violence.
“Tom Cat has been around for three years. Our goal is to get the buzz out about this amazing play. We currently have been selected to be in the National Black Theatre Festival in New York in 2017,” said Lateefa Mosley, director of the show.
With an experienced director in tow and the various subject matters and themes that Tom Cat deals with, the actors of the production also had to transform themselves to get into character with such conscious issues.
“All actors must explore and understand the social spectrums that was going on in the 50s,” said Mosley who went on to say, “ They must bring to the table a backstory of their character. Before we start rehearsals, I tried to get the actors to leave whatever life problems they have at the door.”
Talking about and portraying race relations on stage is a tough battle, but it’s also a conversation that needs to be addressed according to Mosley.
“It’s very needed to address the social issues that are effecting our society today. Let’s not close an eye to a sickness that has been passed down genetically from generation to generation. America is not properly aware that race is a term that America has constructed.” Mosley said.
One important factor the cast and director hope the audience will walk away from after seeing the show is to have an understanding of needing to break the cycle of generational curses that can continue to plague America’s society.
“Tom Cat is so relevant to today’s society that it’s a play that should be on every ones list to see.” Mosley emphasized.
With a brief description, the main character Tom Cat is described as charming, handsome and has a dark side that comes in spurts. Tom Cat also has the bad boy syndrome that makes every girl melt, but he is the guy you don’t want to bring home to your mother because you know she will not approve.
After Tom Cat wraps up, Mosley will then go right back to work with her next production, which is directing the untold story of Little Richard that will debut Oct. 21 in Atlanta.
Theatre participants can expect the touring production of Tom Cat to kick off Sunday, October 16, 2016 in Louisville, KY at the Ursuline Arts Center. In November, the production will head to Atlanta.
For more information and to purchase tickets to Tom Cat, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/tomcat-tickets-26079205606?aff=es2
You can also stay up to date with Tom Cat by visiting their Facebook page at Tomcat.