BLACK BOOK
Welcome to Melvin Tolson High School — it's summer school, it's hot, the barbwire fence is fixed, and a young African American boy has been shot, leaving his group of friends reeling from the loss and wondering if their voices can ever be heard. Enter Austin Dean Ashford, a former Great Debater, to teach a master class on public speaking and challenge this group of boys to speak out and give voice to their hopes and fears. Filled with pressing issues, inspiring characters, and graced with comic flourishes, this one-person dramedy debates what happens to young minds when our educational spaces begin to resemble prisons more than places to learn and grow.
by Austin Dean Ashford
directed by Dexter Singleton
Spring/Summer 2020
Erector Square
319 Peck Street, Building 6S
New Haven
UPDATE-March 2020
In March, we were forced to abruptly close our production of Skeleton Crew because of COVID-19. When it is safe to do so we hope to resume this production with the same cast and crew. At this time, for the safety of our staff, artists, volunteers, patrons and students we have decided to postpone or cancel any remaining programming in the 19-20 season. In the meanwhile, please periodically check our company's Facebook page and website for updates on future projects and collaborations.
The fight for social justice is one that must continue everyday, especially for people of color that are dealing with systemic racism or other injustices on a daily basis. Even though we can't gather at CCT, we, like others, are using our collective energies to protest, seek change, reflect and rest. We encourage you to look for progressive ways to be involved in those positive changes that are happening in your community. Now more than ever we must work together to achieve justice and equality for all.
BLACK LIVES MATTER