CAMDEN, N.J. - Nov. 7, 2017 - PRLog -- When four estranged brothers reunite at the family home for their father's funeral, drama ensues as old hurts emerge and differences come to a head in the new stage play Jazz from the Tares. Written and produced by newcomer Ty Lewis, Jazz from the Tares tells the story of four boys sired by Timothy Sr., a single dad widowed at a young age and faced with the challenge of raising a quartet of Black men.
Co-directed and co-produced by Timothy Chivalette, Jazz from the Tares features a small ensemble cast consisting of the four brothers -- Lewis as Anthony, Eric Phillips as Andrew, Nathan Evans, Jr. as Mark, and Andre Moaney as Timothy Jr. They are joined via flashback by Timothy Sr. (played by Darryl Logan) and his faithful and fiery sister, Angie (played by Arnell Lyles).
With their father gone, all four young men reflect on the pivotal moments from their upbringing that have shaped their current relationships with each other – and their dearly-departed dad. Audiences will get to see how hot-button issues such as abuse, addiction, and identity have impacted the main characters' lives.
Jazz from the Tares takes its title from a parable in the book of Matthews called "Wheat from the Tares." Through the play's action, Lewis relays a message of restoration, reconciliation, and finding the good in conflict and confrontation by grounding oneself in a love for Christ and family.
One of Lewis' goals as a writer and director is to spark controversy and conversation. He notes that the family unit is being damaged by poverty, absentee parents, and even social media. Still, conflict and disagreements are worthwhile if it means saving a family. With that in mind, he hopes Jazz from the Tares can be a blessing to others as it has been to him and his cast.
Lewis recognized early on that roles for black actors such as himself can be limited. Likewise, narratives about the black community don't always depict that demographic in the best light or are riddled with inaccuracies. To remedy both problems, Lewis decided to create opportunities for himself and other black creatives.
His beginnings as a producer were in writing skits for a community-based youth organization in his hometown of Pleasantville, NJ. Lewis also mentored many young men who had a similar background as him. Hearing their stories, watching them grow up, and reflecting on his own childhood experiences ultimately inspired Jazz from the Tares.
As an artist, Lewis doesn't like to be traditional or conventional; he's not afraid to put the difficult topics on stage and is determined to give a voice to the young men he has mentored in the arts, through youth ministry, and in the community. He says, "You can't be afraid to love out loud – if I have something to say to you that will save your life, I'm going to say it. And I think a lot of people are afraid to do that."
Jazz from the Tares opens on November 11th at The Black Box Theatre at the Kroc Center in Camden, NJ. Showtime is 6 PM.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-from-the-tares-tickets-38569590684
Contact
Ty Lewis
***@gmail.com
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
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