Grace Cavalieri’s QUILTING THE SUN “Shines at Theater For The New City”
NYC's Theater for the New City opens Grace Cavalieri's play "Quilting the Sun" to rave reviews. (directed by Shela Xoregos)
"Step aside, Joseph; your amazing technicolor dreamcoat has some serious competition." Derek McCracken
The Maryland Poet Laureate's 21st play, "Quilting the Sun"-- which was presented at the Smithsonian Institution and received its world premiere at Centre Stage, S.C.--is currently being performed by New York's amazing Theater for the New City.
The play opened Monday to rave reviews and will run until 9/11 as part of the Dream Up Festival.
Of the critics, notably, Derek McCracken wrote in-depth about his opening-night impressions for Broadway World. You can read his full review Here. A part of the review is excerpted below.
Excerpt from "BWW Review: QUILTING THE SUN Shines at Theater For The New City"
"While [Harriet] Powers' quilt is archived in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, its legacy lives on in QUILTING THE SUN."
"Step aside, Joseph; your amazing technicolor dreamcoat has some serious competition.
When Harriet Powers' beautiful bible quilt appears onstage in QUILTING THE SUN, it's an applause-generating showstopper for a play where common threads of dreams, rituals, faith and family are stitched together against a backdrop of religion and racism.
Set in Athens, Georgia in 1886, QUILTING takes its time (two acts, 30+ scenes) to tell the inspiring story of Harriett Powers, a farmer's wife, former illiterate slave, and mother of nine who created quilts that received early nominal attention and eventual national acclaim. Part of what brings the beauty of playwright Grace Cavalieri's story to light are the dark post-slavery attitudes that dwell there. Mimi B. Francis in the role of Harriet Powers faces one obstacle after another with steadfast strength, grace, and a sense of humor." Read the rest here.
