The Woman of Colour: A Tale

Devised by Holly Robison, Song Marshall and the cast
Based on the anonymously written novel
Directed by Holly Robison
Cast: Song Marshall, Justin Broom, Reid Henry, Andrew Jessop, Sydney Ray, Ana Silva and Kayla V. White

An ongoing staged reading series, For Your (Re)Consideration will explore the works of historically overlooked female writers. Featuring a variety of distinct voices and styles from different historical periods, the readings seek to bring attention to these remarkable women who have been sidelined by history for reasons that had nothing to do with their talent and everything to do with their gender and, in many cases, their race.

In 2022, Ghostlight Ensemble will adapt the novel The Woman of Colour: A Tale for the stage. The novel was published anonymously in 1808 and follows a biracial heiress on her travels from Jamaica to England to marry as a condition of her father’s will.

Olivia Fairfield, the biracial protagonist and orphaned daughter of a slaveholder, is forced to choose between marrying her white, first cousin or becoming dependent on a mercenary elder cousin. Through Olivia’s letters, we are privy to not only the story of her life, but her impressions of Britain and its inhabitants as only a Black woman could record them. She gives scathing descriptions of London and the British people, as well as progressive critiques of race, racism and slavery.

Like the novel, Ghostlight’s adaptation will explore the interconnections of race, gender and class, as well as examining cultural identity and colonial power.

A brief talkback will follow the reading.

Details
Where: Berger Park Cultural Center (The Downey House) in Edgewater
(6205 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660)
When: Saturday, June 11, 2022
What time: 2 p.m.
How much: Tickets are pay what you will, with an average donation of $10. By donating more, if you are able, you help offset the cost for those who can’t afford to give.

How do I reserve my seat?: Please email boxoffice@ghostlightensemble.com and let us know how many people will be attending. As noted above, tickets are Pay-What-You-Will. Please click the Donate button below to submit your donation.
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