Two student actors in the upcoming AIC theater arts presentation of August Wilson's Fences have made their television debut to promote the play, which will be performed this weekend at the Esther B. Griswold Theater on the AIC campus. 

 

Senior theater arts major Dante Hayes who plays Troy Maxson says, "I am honored to be playing a part in such a rich and historical play.  I feel that in my role I will be giving myself, and others, access to lost loved ones.  I see glimpses of these characters in my family.  I know them and I feel for them.  They are both beautiful and tragic."

 

Hayes and co-star theater arts major Khamari Hamblin who plays the character of Cory Maxson, appeared on WWLP's Mass Appeal program on Wednesday to promote the show.  Hamblin told interviewer Patrick Berry about the play's theme, "For me, with society today, a lot of people don't look at generational low-income issues...and people going through those same issues could come see this play and see... they're not alone, but there are also solutions to break that cycle as well."  See the segment by clicking here.  

 

Assistant Dean, Associate Professor of Theater Arts, and Theater Director Frank Borrelli, who traditionally appears on camera for promotional interviews for the program took a step back on this one.  Borrelli explains his goal was for the students to have complete ownership of this entire production, including media appearances, because of the play's cultural importance.  

 

The Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences first opened on Broadway in 1987, winning four Tony Awards including best play.  James Earl Jones, in the lead role of Troy Maxson, won a Tony for best actor. Fences was also adapted to the big screen in a critically acclaimed 2016 movie starring, produced, and directed by Denzel Washington.  Washington's performance as Troy Maxson and that of Viola Davis, who portrayed his wife Rose, were both nominated for Academy Awards, with Davis winning the Oscar.   

 

Fences will be performed by AIC's theater arts program on Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 at 2:30 p.m.  The production is free and open to the public.  Donations are welcome and appreciated.