Encore Michigan

Matrix Theatre to host post-show event series around world premiere

News May 26, 2017 Encore Staff

DETROIT—Matrix Theatre Company has announced a full line up of its signature post-show events for Matrix’s original production, Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967, running June 2 through June 25 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm.

The events are scheduled to take place following individual performances throughout the run. This additional programming, which includes discussions, Q and A sessions with artists, and more, is designed to allow audiences the opportunity to openly engage with the subjects and discuss themes addressed in the production. All post-show events are free with the price of admission.

“We are in a unique position to be able to offer exciting additional programming in support of Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967,” said Megan Buckley-Ball, Matrix’s artistic director. “The stories and themes this show recalls are on the minds of many Detroiters this summer, and we value the meaningful dialogue that our shows incite. We are eager to create the spaces where diverse ideas, voices, and experiences are shared, and our post-show events for this production aim to fill this need.”

Reflecting on a formative moment in our city’s history, this original production unearths, for the first time, real interviews recorded by Dr. Xavier Nicholas following that summer’s uprising. Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967 gives voice to the unique experiences and perspectives of a cross-section of Detroiters to find out what really happened and how they can learn from the pain of a shared past. The post-show events are programmed around the themes.

Schedule of post-show events:

  • Opening night reception, Friday, June 2: Discuss the production while enjoying appetizers and desserts.
  • The creation of Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967, Sunday, June 4: Learn more about how this world premiere production came to be in this Q and A discussion with the creators of the show: Dr. Xavier Nicholas, Megan Buckley-Ball, David Wolber, and Dr. Harvey Reed.
  • Talkback with the cast, Friday, June 9: Melissa Beckwith, Joshua R. Brown, Katie Fullerton, Jonathan Jones, and Mike Sandusky will discuss the process of putting Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967 on its feet, and other aspects of being a part of the world premiere production. Audiences will have the opportunity to ask actors questions in an intimate setting.

In addition to regularly scheduled performances, the final dress rehearsal on Thursday, June 1 is a “Pay What You Can” performance. In order to help eliminate the barrier between audiences and live theatre, patrons can choose to pay whatever amount they want at the door to see the preview show of Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967. Tickets will be available that evening only on a first-come-first-served basis and cannot be purchased or reserved in advance. Doors open at 7:30 pm for the 8:00 pm performance.

Regular performance tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, seniors, active military personnel, and veterans and may be purchased in advance or, if available, at the door. Group rates are also available. For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.matrixtheatre.org or call (313) 967-0599.

Photo: A post-show talkback with the director and cast of Matrix’s 2016 production of Sizwe Bansi is Dead. Photo credit: Megan Buckley-Ball.