‘Native Son’ Set For The Lifeline Theatre Stage

Nambi E. Kelley’s adaptation of Native Son will run from May 10TH through June 30th at the Lifeline Theatre. PHOTO PROVIDED BY LIFELINE THEATRE.
Nambi E. Kelley’s adaptation of Native Son will run from May 10TH through June 30th at the Lifeline Theatre. PHOTO PROVIDED BY LIFELINE THEATRE.

‘Native Son’ Set For The Lifeline Theatre Stage

By Tia Carol Jones

Nambi E. Kelley’s adaptation of Richard Wright’s Native Son will run from May 10 th through the June 30th  at the  Lifeline Theatre, located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.

Native Son tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a 20-year-old on the South Side of Chicago trying to realize his dreams, when a series of events changes his life. The play, which is set during the 1930’s, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of its original staging at the Court Theatre on the South Side.

Ilesa Duncan, Artistic Director at Lifeline Theatre, said that Lifeline has a long history with Kelley and she was on staff at the theatre.

“We have long wanted to produce another of Nambi’s plays, we did one of her kid series plays back in 2010 and we decided to take this project on,” Duncan said.

Duncan said Lifeline Theatre wants to develop a new piece with Kelley when her schedule permits. She added, the ensemble was excited to bring Native Son to another community and another generation of people, who have not seen it before.

Duncan said Kelley’s adaptation of Native Son is an important work. It is another take on the story and not only has historical, but contemporary importance.

“I think it’s an important work, it’s a fascinating approach that she takes to it, if you’re familiar with the book,” she said.

Duncan said the book was controversial, but also became a best seller. She added, the controversy surrounds the issues of the true story the book is based on. She said Wright loosely based the book on the true story of a young man in Chicago who was convicted of murdering a white woman. In the book, which is a fictionalized account, there are details about the main character’s family.

“The fictional character Bigger Thomas has big dreams. He sees himself in a different light then maybe what society maybe allowed for him as a young Black man. We’re talking about Jim Crow Era, even though it’s Chicago, it’s still Jim Crow, so that’s the importance in why it has relevance today,” Duncan said. Adding that in it, she is posing the question of what has changed in Black people’s experience in the United States.

Lifeline Theatre, which was founded in 1982, is known for its adaptations of literary works of fiction, in addition to performing original works. During the last 40 years, Lifeline Theatre has mounted more than 200 productions.

Cost is $45 for regular tickets; $25 for preview tickets; and twenty percent off all tickets for groups of ten or more. To purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p9vkhf6, call 773-761-4477 or visit the box office at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.


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