Born the son of a former Mississippi slave, Elijah Pierce migrated north in the early 1900s and settled in Columbus where he become a preacher, barbershop owner and one of American's most celebrated folk artists.
Pierce to the Soul, a world premiere written by Columbus playwright Chiquita Mullins Lee, tells the life story of Pierce, who was a prominent member of the African-American community in Columbus for more than half a century and owned a popular barbershop on Long Street. Taught the basics of woodcarving by an uncle, Pierce began carving animals and assembled a collection of carvings that he and his wife displayed at local fairs, churches and shops.
During his life, Pierce took the art form to a new level and eventually achieved international fame for his woodcarvings, many of which are part of the permanent collection of the Columbus Museum of Art. His work is also displayed at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City.
Pierce to the Soul celebrates this hometown hero - his struggles, his triumphs, and the vibrant life that swirled around him in Columbus for more than 50 years - in a world premiere at CATCO April 7-25, 2010, at the Vern Riffe Center, Studio Two Theater, 77 S High St.
"I'd seen the Pierce exhibit in the Columbus Museum of Art and found his work fascinating," said Lee, who was approached by CATCO artistic director Geoffrey Nelson about writing a one-man show about Pierce in 2005. "I was excited about researching his life, and have been inspired by his dedication to God, his creative genius and his authenticity. One artist and scholar who befriended Pierce describes him as ‘a whole person.' Pierce to the Soul tells the story of how one man integrates the varied aspects of his personality - seeker, rebel, barber, preacher, husband, father, artist - to become a whole person," she said.
Lee's work was featured at CATCO in 2000 and 2004 in the theatre company's Shorts Festivals, productions highlighting short plays written by Ohio playwrights. She began her career as a public television producer-director in Nashville, Tenn., and co-wrote and performs in Myrlie, Betty, and Coretta: The Mothers of the Civil Rights Movement, performing the role of Coretta Scott King.
Veteran Dayton actor Alan Bomar Jones will play the role of Pierce. Jones has previously acted at CATCO in A Piano Lesson, The Exonerated, The Shorts Festival 2004 and A Soldier's Play.
Nelson will direct Pierce to the Soul. He previously directed A Christmas Memory/The Thanksgiving Visitor, Doubt, The Santaland Diaries, Season's Greetings, Arsenic and Old Lace, Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, The Importance of Being Earnest, A Tuna Christmas, The Anger in Earnest and Ernestine, Glengarry Glen Ross, Taking Sides, The Bat, The Little Foxes, Orphans, True West, 1959 Pink Thunderbird, Murder in Green Meadows and Handy Dandy.
CATCO's 2009-10, 26th anniversary season is dedicated to community leaders, Loann Crane, Barbara Fergus and Tom Katzenmeyer. Donors for the season are Limited Brands; the Robert Bartels and Edith Doud Unrestricted Funds of The Columbus Foundation; Nationwide Foundation; and the Ohio Arts Council, which funds CATCO with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Pierce to the Soul also received special grants from the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Ohio Humanities Council.
Preview (Discounted Tickets)/Opening Night Performances
There are two previews for Pierce to the Soul, Wednesday, April 7, at 11 a.m., and Thursday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $11.50 for the 11 a.m. performance, and $32.50 for the 7:30 p.m. show. The opening performance is Friday, April 9, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, and include admission to a post-performance party in the theatre lobby.
Half-Price Happy Hour
At least one Thursday of each show run - typically the second Thursday performance - tickets and drinks are half price. For Pierce to the Soul, the Half-Price Happy Hour is Thursday, April 15, at 8 p.m.
$11@11 Matinees
For Pierce to the Soul, there will be three $11@11 performances: Wednesday, April 7, April 14, and April 21. CATCO's $11 @ 11 is an offering for theatre-goers who want to see a play mid-week (Wednesday) and mid-day (11 a.m.) at a great price ($11 plus a 50-cent restoration fee). For ticket information, please call 614.469.0939 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Dramaturge/Actor Talkbacks
For a deeper understanding of each play, CATCO presents talkback sessions for audiences. For Pierce to the Soul, the actor talkback will follow the Sunday, April 11, matinee; the dramaturge talkback will follow the Sunday, April 18, matinee.
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