ArtsEmerson and partners are set to present "Mr. Joy," a play that explores issues of race and class in America. Directed by David Dower and performed by Adobuere Ebiama, the event will be held on Monday, November 26, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. in the Alan T. Mudge Auditorium at Dover Sherborn High School. Tickets are free and may be reserved through the Dover Sherborn High School website or by calling (508-785-0036). Recommended audience is ages 13+.
"Mr. Joy" was originally produced by ArtsEmerson in the Emerson Paramount Center in October of 2015. The play’s themes of "transforming pain into power" – a signature concept of playwright Daniel Beaty – strongly resonated with Boston audiences, both through sold-out performances and provocative post-show conversations. The experience of the play became a catalyst to begin important discussions on race, class and community, and ArtsEmerson responded by touring the production as part its ongoing commitment to help transform Boston's reputation, and reality, around race.
“When we opened 'Mr. Joy' in 2015,” shares ArtsEmerson Artistic Director David Dower, “we did not anticipate the demand it would spark as a tool to open minds and hearts in fostering conversation about race, citizenship, and community. We received requests from all over the region asking for local performances of Mr. Joy to align with their own community efforts in facing the challenges around difference. We are indebted to both writer Daniel Beaty and performer Adobuere Ebiama for being willing answer the call each time.”
The Dover Sherborn performance marks only the second show outside the Boston boundaries.
"We're proud to partner with ArtsEmerson to bring 'Mr. Joy' to our community,” shares Superintendent of Schools Andrew Keough. “Our educators have been focusing on cultural responsiveness through the #WEareDS initiative; 'Mr. Joy' will help us expand this effort into the community. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Dover Sherborn METCO program and there is no better time to strengthen our commitment to the achievement and well-being of all our students."
