THEATRE + COMEDY

The Ensemble Theatre presents Gee’s Bend, by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder. Directed by Elizabeth Van Dyke. PG/ Drama, on the George Hawkins Mainstage.  Running January 29 – February 27, 2011; Opening Night Media Reception February 3, 2011.

Gee’s Bend celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. It’s based on the true story of the women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama and the magnificent quilts they create which The New York Times has called “some of the most miraculous works of modern art American has produced.”

Infused with hauntingly beautiful gospel music, these women use quilting to provide comfort and context to their lives. They survive through segregation, family turmoil, and the Civil Rights Movement one stitch at a time.

The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. The theatre is known as the only professional theatre in its region dedicated to the production of works portraying the African-American experience. In addition to being the oldest and largest professional African-American theatre in the Southwest, it also holds the distinction of being one of the nation's largest African-American theatres that owns and operates its facility with an in-house production team. Board President Emeritus Audrey Lawson led the capital campaign for The Ensemble’s $4.5 million building renovations that concluded in 1997.

The Ensemble Theatre produces a main stage season of contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. The theatre’s Performing Arts Education program provides educational workshops, Artist-in-Residence experiences and live performances for students both off-site and at the theatre. Through its varied programs, The Ensemble Theatre benefits an audience and artistic constituency of approximately 65,000 people annually.

A collaborative relationship with the Houston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston (MOCAH), as well as, artists John Biggers, Ted Ellis, and Charles Washington has allowed The Ensemble Theatre to expose audiences to some of Houston’s visual arts within the season brochure.

“An extension of visual artistic expression will be spotlighted in our season brochure with images we feel embody the essence of each production,” says Morris. “I appreciate having the opportunity to work with other artists and arts organizations to provide unique experiences for our patrons and subscribers.”

Pictured:  Arlonzia Pettway, detail Quilt, c. 1965, quilted c. 1976, Authentic Gee's Bend Quilters Collective, The Museum of Fine Arts- Houston.