ANN ARBOR – Theatre NOVA, Ann Arbor’s resident nonprofit professional theatre specializing in new plays, is thrilled to present the World Premiere of “ECLIPSED: The Sun, the Moon and Gladys Atkinson Sweet” by D.L. Patrick, a play documenting the all-too-real 1925 case of an African American married couple and their friends charged with first-degree murder following the attack on the Sweet’s Detroit home by over 700 white neighbors.
On the night of September 9, 1925, Gladys Atkinson Sweet was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, along with her husband, Dr. Ossian Sweet, his two brothers and seven other African Americans following the attack on her home. They were well-educated, well-respected, talented people who would have been assets to any community.
Although much has been written about Dr. Sweet and the two Sweet trials, litigated by Clarence Darrow, this play imagines the perspective of Gladys Sweet and the women who populated her life. It is about what women do, and have always done, in the shadows.
“We are thrilled to introduce audiences to DL Patrick’s “Eclipsed,” says Theatre NOVA Founding Artistic Director, Carla Milarch. “As a company committed to championing new works and Michigan playwrights, we are honored to bring this world premiere to the stage. Patrick’s storytelling is both urgent and poetic, and under Bryana Hall’s direction, this production will be nothing short of extraordinary.”
Playwright, D.L. Patrick adds, “Years of research, writing, and workshopping have finally resulted in an experience that I think audiences will find both moving and edifying. I hope they will take away the idea that when we see people as individuals and not faceless groups — when we know and value them for who they really are — then we all gain, and the world is a better place.”
Director Bryana Hall underscores the play’s contemporary relevance, stating, “This play is a cautionary tale about the real human consequences of otherizing our neighbors. We look at this story as if what happened at the Sweet house 100 years ago is ancient history, but shades of that history persist today, and it’s important for us as theatre makers to honor that.”
The experienced cast features Shelby Bradley, Bréon Canady, Dan Johnson, Princess Jones, CJ Williams, and Emily Wilson-Tobin. Helmed by Bryana Hall (director), the talented production team includes Craig Hane (set), Jeff Alder (lights), Michaella Victoria (costumes), Kennikki Jones-Jones (sound), Carla Milarch (props), and Briana O’Neal (stage manager).
“ECLIPSED” will run April 11 through May 11 at Theatre NOVA (410 W Huron St, Ann Arbor). Performances are Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $30. Tickets may be purchased online at www.TheatreNOVA.org or in person one hour before each performance. Seating in the theater will begin 30 minutes before each performance. There is ample free parking and quick access to the city’s restaurants, bars, bakeries, and coffee shops. New patrons can find Theatre NOVA across Huron Street from Ann Arbor’s YMCA through a parking lot entrance on the north side of the street.
Theatre NOVA’s mission is to raise awareness of the value and excitement of new plays and playwrights and to provide resources for playwrights to develop their craft by importing, exporting, and developing new work.
In celebration of its 10th anniversary season, Theatre NOVA proudly presents a full lineup of six world-premiere productions, highlighting the organization’s decade-long commitment to championing the importance of new plays and emerging playwrights. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to join us in celebrating a milestone year with some of the most innovative and thought-provoking new works yet!
FACT SHEET
WHO:
Playwright – D.L. Patrick
Director – Bryana Hall
Cast:
Gladys Atkinson Sweet – Princess Jones
Rosella Mitchell – CJ Williams
Edna Butler – Bréon Canady
Dora Sweet – Shelby Bradley
Madame Curie/Ruby Darrow – Emily Wilson-Tobin
Walter White – Dan Johnson
Production Team:
Director – Bryana Hall
Stage Manager – Briana O’Neal
Set Designer – Craig Hane
Lighting Designer – Jeff Alder
Costumer – Michaella Victoria
Sound Designer – Kennikki Jones-Jones
Properties Designer- Carla Milarch
Theatre Nova Staff
Carla Milarch, Founding Artistic Director
Briana O’Neal, Producing Artistic Director, Resident Stage Manager
Shelby R. Seeley, Producing Artistic Director, Literary Manager
Diane Hill, Producing Artistic Director
Becky Fox, Business Manager, Director of Education
Sarah Elisabeth Brown, House Manager
Lindsey Brown, Summer Camp Director
WHAT: “”ECLIPSED: The Sun, the Moon and Gladys Atkinson Sweet” by D.L. Patrick
Theatre NOVA, 410 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Box office: www.TheatreNOVA.org Tickets: $30
WHERE:
Theatre NOVA, 410 W Huron, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
ON THE INTERNET:
http://www.facebook.com/theatrenova
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https://www.tiktok.com/@a2theatrenova
https://www.youtube.com/@theatrenova8948
WHEN: PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Thurs, Apr 10 at 8pm Preview Performance
Fri, Apr 11 at 8pm Opening Night Press weekend
Sat, Apr 12 at 3pm and 8pm Press weekend
Sun, Apr 13 at 2pm Press weekend
Fri, Apr 18 at 8pm
Sat, Apr 19 at 3pm and 8pm
Sun, Apr 20 at 2pm
Fri, Apr 25 at 8pm
Sat, Apr 26 at 3pm and 8pm
Sun, Apr 27 at 2pm
Fri, May 2 at 8pm
Sat, May 3 at 3pm and 8pm
Sun, May 4 at 2pm
Fri, May 9 at 8pm
Sat, May 10 at 3pm and 8pm
Sun, May 11 at 2pm
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