Topeka (KS) Links Sponsor Kansas Premiere of Darren Canady’s BROTHERS OF THE DUST
What: Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated in partnership with Washburn University Theatre presents BROTHERS OF THE DUST
Why: In honor of the 2024 Black History Month theme of African Americans and the Arts
When: 7:30 P.M., Feb. 23, 24, 29, March 1, and 2nd, and at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 3rd. Tickets are a suggested $10 donation.
Where: Neese-Gray Theatre in the Garvey Fine Arts Center, on the Washburn University campus
Tickets: https://www.topekalinksinc.org/brothers-of-the-dust for advance tickets or 30 minutes before each performance at the Washburn Theatre Box Office
The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Washburn University Theatre, in observance of the Arts national theme during Black History Month, proudly presents the Kansas premier of Darren Canady’s award-winning play, Brothers of the Dust. This drama with an all-Black cast is set on an Arkansas family farm in the 1950s. Mirroring events of The Great Migration, playwright Darren Canady, a Topeka High School ‘00 alumnus, weaves together a beautiful story of sibling rivalry, family legacy, love and betrayal. The play contains culturally specific language and some adult situations.
Brothers of the Dust will open for the first time in Kansas at 7:30 P.M. on February 23, 24, 29, March 1 and 2, and at 2:00 P.M. on March 3rd at the Neese-Gray Theatre in the Garvey Fine Arts Center on Washburn University campus. Tickets are a suggested $10 donation.
“We are excited to be a part of history with the inaugural production of Mr. Canady’s play here in his home state,” said Monice Crawford, President of the Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. “He is a devoted son of Kansas. Whenever, not just our Chapter, but anyone in Topeka, Lawrence, Kansas City, and Wichita or beyond calls on him, he is right there and always delivers more than expected. It has been a privilege to work with Darren again, and this drama intertwined with a love story, will truly have people on the edge of their seats! The Colton “brothers of the dust,” have paid a price for trying to better themselves in a nation still riddled with racial segregation and bias. To city dwellers, a patch of soil may seem a nonsensical treasure to rouse such passions as Canady has us witness, but at a time when countless citizens face the loss of their homes, his expertly crafted parable reawakens our awareness of the reasons why men have fought throughout history for possession of land, the last enduring fortune a vast country like ours can offer its people.”
Members of the Brothers of the Dust cast are Khalani Britt, Jason Jones, Lareesa Kelpin, Nyalia Lui, Joanna Marks, Elijah Reed, and Dané Shobe. Camelle Garcia is an understudy.
The February 23rd productions will feature two Red Carpet opening-night premiere events. The March 2nd production includes a special YOUTH NIGHT pre-performance program open to students in grades 8-12; as always however, all ages are welcome for the performance. Please see https://www.topekalinksinc.org/brotherd-of-the-dust for tickets and more information. All ticketing revenue goes toward theatre student scholarships.
