In honor of Black History Month, SAU Hearts Drama presents “The Old Settler,” a play by John Henry Redwood. “The Old Settler” will be shown in Spring Arbor University’s (SAU) Prop Shop on Feb. 20, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 24 and 25 at 2 p.m.
“This is a celebratory offering, expressing the joys and sorrows of the African-American experience during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1940s,” says Dr. Paul Patton, producer of the show.
The story follows two middle-aged sisters adjusting to urban life in Harlem during World War II. Patton has been looking for the right actresses to play the sisters for over 16 years; he’s found them in senior Simoné Searcy and junior Chasity Curling.
“I think that they could win the audition professionally, and they’ll be able to win it for 30 years,” says Patton. “Their characterization, their ability to cultivate empathy in an audience — we care about them. We care about their relationship. We weep and rejoice with them.”
Tickets for students, staff, faculty and alumni are $5. General admission is $8. The show on Feb. 20 is a preview, for which attendees may pay what they can. Reserve seats by emailing your name, the date you would like to attend and the number of tickets you would like to reserve to dramatickets@arbor.edu.
