“Art should challenge us, so this play is about looking at our humanity and how we have been conducting ourselves as a human family and that we need to be asking some serious questions about our relationships to one another and to explore those answers without fear of disdain.” says Rachel Jordan, Artistic Director of the Archway 1 Theatre Company and director/producer of the company’s current production of ‘A Sunday Morning in the South’ & ‘BRONZE’, written by American playwright and poet Georgia Douglas Johnson.

“When I read Georgia’s work, the parallels with our world today were strikingly the same considering she wrote the play and the poetry in 1922. This production had to happen, because there are too many things going on in the world, in the US, in our own country and my own personal experiences, to not tackle the subject matter of prejudice and injustice, especially when I have the capacity to address it in this medium.”

The play opened to a sell out first night, and have packed in audiences ever since, with audiences staying back to meet the cast, director and crew in order to show their appreciation for the production. “Our audience have received this production incredibly well.” The response from a group of American audience members was enthusiastic, approving and encouraging, suggesting they would return to see the show again, with friends and family. “It means alot to us to get the appreciation and acknowledgment”, says Jordan. “We have a cast and crew that is so passionate about this production, they couldn’t wait to come to rehearsal. Each of them believes in this production because they can relate in some way to aspects of the story.”

When members of the cast were asked why the play was important to them, they answered;

“The subject matter of this play is so close to home, I carry these themes in my blood and ancestry. Being a part of this production has been the most amazing channel for self-discovery and more importantly brings to light how these things still go on today, although more subtly. On a personal note it has helped me become prouder of my heritage and want to be a proponent for change in the future. It such a blessing to work with a stellar cast and a director who works so intuitively. It’s not always that a play has gives you back more than you put in, but that this is definitely the case in this instance.” Charmaine Bingwa

“What does it mean to be and look Australian? Does the fact that I was born here and have never known another homeland make me eligible? Does the fact that I only speak English and have a love affair for meat pies give me bonus points? No it doesn’t. I’m 1st generation Australian but I’m also black. And that makes all the difference. Being in this play has opened my eyes to what it means to be the ‘other’ And it’s uncomfortable. But it also gives you a unique perspective and a deeper sense of compassion. Our director Rachel Jordan has asked us to confront this and get comfortable with it. This play makes room for ‘the other’. It celebrates it and gives it a voice or rather a stage. This play is a necessary conversation that we need to continue having with each ‘other’.” Virginie Laverdure

“Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. This quote from Thomas Jefferson pretty much sums it up for me. Not only do I love the opportunity to play such lively and heart-filled characters of the American Deep South in the 1920’s. But when we live in a society that is scared of the aggressor or the violent people who want to degrade others there is a problem. Fear allows these wrong-doers to win and create mandates so their actions can be legal and glorified. That I believe has to stop.. A play like this privileges those who do not believe in hate. The vicious cycle has to stop somewhere. We have to know it’s alright to love all of humankind and we shouldn’t have to fight for that right. ” Sage Godrei

“I am thrilled and honoured to be involved in presenting Georgia Douglas Johnson’s work to Australian audiences. I feel privileged to be working with such talented fellow performers under the capable and exciting direction of Rachel Jordan! The subjects covered are dear to my heart, impacting my life and that of my family and friends, on a daily basis. It is jaw-dropping and sad to realize these issues so real in Mrs Johnson’s time in the US are not only are still happening there today but unfortunately also ring true here in Australia, particularly to Aboriginal People. I urge everyone to come and see this work which is guaranteed to have an impact and move you!” Uma Kali Shakti

‘A Sunday Morning in the South’ & ‘BRONZE’ runs for 6 more shows in association with the Sydney Fringe Festival and is the second production of the company’s 2015 Season of Women Playwrights & Directors.

Written by Georgia Douglas Johnson

Directed by Rachel Jordan

Featuring
Charmaine Bingwa
Kwame Kamara
Virginie Laverdure
Sage Godrei
Uma Kali Shakti
Tash Ncube
Mark Williamson
Rachel Jordan

Show Dates:

Friday 4th September
Saturday 5th September
Sunday 6th September
8pm

Friday 11th September
Saturday 12th September
Sunday 13th September
8pm

TICKETS ON SALE
www.trybooking.com/146700
$20 Online   $22 Door