Ford's Theatre Season Opens With Black Pearl Sings!
By Frank Higgins; Directed By Jennifer L. Nelson
Issue date: 9/6/09 Section: Arts and Entertainment
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Susannah, a song collector for the Library of Congress, travels the country seeking little-known melodies. When she encounters Pearl in a Texas prison, she discovers dozens of musical treasures rooted in the African tradition. Pearl must decide whether to give away her ancestors' songs for a chance at her own freedom. Music unites strangers in a powerful story that illuminates America's racial divisions and the attempts of two women to bridge them.
"It's a rare treasure to discover a story such as Black Pearl Sings! that focuses on two strong women and their connection to history," said director Jennifer L. Nelson. "Both characters seek to honor the past and their ancestry-even while seeking to enhance their personal options. More than anything, Ford's Theatre is famous for its connection to American history and it is a wonderful opportunity to present this show here."
This production is made possible by BAE Systems and Visa Inc. Ford's Theatre's 2009-2010 season sponsors are The Home Depot and Chevron. The media partner for Black Pearl Sings! is WHUR-FM.
THE DIRECTOR
Jennifer L. Nelson returns to direct at Ford's Theatre for the first time since her critically acclaimed production of Jitney. Nelson serves as the Director of Special Programming for Ford's Theatre. She has directed productions for Round House, Woolly Mammoth, Baltimore's Everyman Theatre, Rep Stage, Theatre of the First Amendment and Imagination Stage, among others. An accomplished playwright and actress, Nelson served as Producing Artistic Director of the African Continuum Theatre, where she produced 26 plays and several world premieres including her Helen Hayes Award-winning Torn From the Headlines. Nelson worked with Arena Stage's Living Stage Theatre Company for 20 years, served two terms as President of the League of Washington Theatres, and currently serves on the board of the Theatre Communications Group. She has taught at Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University, George Mason University and UCLA.
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