Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Lycoming College Theatre Department Presents Blacktop Sky

Lycoming College Theatre Department Presents Blacktop Sky

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Lycoming College theatre department continues its 50th season with Christina Anderson’s 2013 play, “Blacktop Sky.” The production, directed by Lycoming College theatre major Jennifer Spencer ’20 (Philadelphia), will be presented in room D001 of Wendle Hall, adjacent to the lobby of the Mary L. Welch Theatre, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, through Saturday, Dec. 1.

“Blacktop Sky” is a vibrant, hard-hitting, and relevant play that sheds light on many issues facing our community today, including poverty, police brutality, and homelessness. Playwright Christina Anderson’s work has appeared at The Public Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, Penumbra Theatre Company, Playwrights Horizons, and other theaters in the United States and Canada. She is the recipient of the Harper Lee Award for Playwriting, two PONY nominations, three Susan Smith Blackburn nominations, and is a Woursell Prize Finalist.

Inspired by the Greek myth “Leda and the Swan,” “Blacktop Sky” examines the intersection of love, violence, and seduction. Klass, a homeless, young black man, sets up residence in the courtyard of the housing project where Ida Peters lives. Triggered by a fatal confrontation between a local street vendor and the police, Klass and Ida quickly develop a precarious bond against the backdrop of a restless neighborhood.

“I chose to direct this play because I felt a strong connection to the character Klass,” Spencer explained. “His character has been through so much and continues to dream, to have faith. He teaches us that as a society we are lacking. We stand idly by and watch the world unfolding, not taking responsibility or helping our fellow neighbor, and become confused when no one comes to our aid. I’m hoping the audience can relate to Klass as much as I have and that they really think about the show’s message even after they leave the theatre.”

Tickets are available at tickets.lycoming.edu, in the box office in the lobby of the Mary L. Welch Theatre, or by calling 570-321-4048.

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