MORGAN PARK — Just ahead of Black History Month, Carla Stillwell will debut "The People Could Fly and Other Tales of Freedom" at the Beverly Arts Center.
This musical production explores the perils of bondage in the antebellum South and emotional themes of escape and freedom at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. The show will be held in the art center's 400-seat theater at 2407 W. 111th St. in Morgan Park.
Stillwell’s original book for the upcoming play is based on the classic African-American folk tale of the same name. The performance is written with the intent of making the story both compelling and accessible to even the youngest audiences.
"Music always touches children in a special way, and I think the lyrics and the movement illustrate both the pains of slavery and the strength, hope and triumph of a people in a way that reaches all ages,” Stillwell said.
Stillwell partnered with Shawn Wallace to create the music for the show. She wrote lyrics and offered melody ideas while Wallace refined and shaped the music.
"It is important for the nation that we acknowledge the mid-Atlantic slave trade and the roots of systemic racism that still plague America. By sharing these tales I believe we can begin to treat the open cultural wounds and heal,” said Stillwell, who will direct a cast of six in "The People Could Fly and Other Tales of Freedom."
Stillwell is also the managing producer, resident playwright and director at MPAACT Theatre in Chicago as well as a teaching artist.
She has an ongoing show at the DuSable Museum of African History titled, "When Good Broccoli Goes Bad." It's also written with Shawn Wallace and aims to encourage kids to make healthy choices in a musically engaging way.
Tickets for "The People Could Fly and Other Tales of Freedom" cost $15, $14 for art center members. Children younger than 12 pay $10. For more information, visit the center's website or call 773-445-3838.
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