University of Florida College of Fine Arts and the School of Theatre and Dance will present 'In the Blood'

March 2, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — “In the Blood,” by Suzan-Lori Parks, is taking center stage at the Nadine McGuire Black Box Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on March 19-20, 23-27 and 2 p.m. on March 21 and 28. In this modern day riff on “The Scarlet Letter,” Hester La Negrita, a homeless mother of five, lives with her kids on the tough streets of the inner city. Her eldest child is teaching her how to read and write, but the letter “A” is, so far, the only letter she knows. Her five kids are named Jabber, Bully, Trouble, Beauty and Baby, played by adult actors. The central theme of the play is about society’s oppression of the people in poverty and adulterers. While Hester’s kids fill her life with joy—lovingly comical moments amid the harsh world of poverty—the adults with whom she comes into contact only hold her back. Nothing can stop the play’s tragic end.

The play is directed by University of Florida theatre and dance newcomer Charlie Mitchell. Mitchell signed on to direct the project after Tim Altmeyer landed an acting gig on Broadway.

“This show allows us to ask questions about what we project onto other people, whether it is stereotypes or other personal hang ups,” Mitchell said.

According to a review in Curtain Up, “It’s about the world that’s ‘simply here.’ It’s about the eternal yearning for love. It’s about those who adapt and those who fall between the cracks. It’s about all of this as filtered through Suzan-Lori Parks’ particular authorial vision of black and white stereotypes.”
The theater is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. The University Box Office is located in the lobby of the Constans Theatre and is open Monday through Friday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm and 45 minutes prior to each performance. Tickets are $13 for students, faculty, staff and senior citizens with a valid ID. Tickets are $17 for the general public.

For more information, call the University Box Office at 352-392-1653. Tickets may also be reserved online at www.ticketmaster.com.