Week brings something for lovers of stage, screen and history
Laughter unfolds at the historic Douglass Theatre during “Welcome to The Quarters,” a theatrical reading of the novel, “The Quarters,” by Georgia writer Mari K. Bell. Set between the 1930s and 1950s, the comedy-suspense is about a quirky family in rural Georgia.
In a release about the production, Bell said, “ ‘Welcome to The Quarters’ is based on fictionalized versions of stories my mom shared with me from her childhood. She is not only hilarious in her own right, but smart, loving and a wonderful mother. I was able to take bits and pieces of her personality and history, and capture her as an intelligent, inquisitive and nosey little girl.”
The Macon performances of “Welcome to The Quarters” constitute the work’s second production — the first was at an Atlanta-area theater — and Bell plans to produce readings in other cities around the state.
“This production is a tribute to my mother, grandmother, aunts, uncles and the wonderful community of Bell Quarters. My hope is to take the show to Columbus, which is my hometown. I’d also like to go back to Atlanta and head south to Savannah,” the author and playwright added.
Enjoy “Welcome to The Quarters” during its two readings in Macon on Saturday — at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. — before the show goes back on the road.
2017 Georgia Juneteenth
A full day of family-friendly activities is planned at the 25th annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival, which commemorates the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
The festival includes musical performances by Divine Divas of Soul, Hip Hop Detoxx Live, Brine Shuga Family Band, the Middle Georgia Jazz & Blues Allstars, Dean Brown’s Dub Shak Band, and Mitchell’s School of the Arts Youth Ensemble; dance presented by Terrie Axam’s African/Modern Dancical Productions; a living history exhibit of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the unit depicted in the movie “Glory”; as well as food and merchandise by all types of vendors.
Drop by Tattnall Square Park between noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday for the free festivities.
On the Big Screen
Next week, the Douglass Theatre screens “What Happened, Miss Simone?” as the latest film in its “Thursday Night at the Movies” series. The movie is a biographical documentary film about iconic jazz musician Nina Simone. It combines previously unreleased archival footage and interviews with Simone’s daughter and friends. The film begins at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Contact Melanie Byas at melanie@retrowarehouse.com.
This story was originally published June 14, 2017 at 8:40 AM with the headline "Week brings something for lovers of stage, screen and history."