Appalachian State University

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Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts

Q&A with NC Black Rep’s Jackie Alexander

Jackie Alexander

5 Questions with NC Black Repertory Company’s Jackie Alexander

 

The award-winning Winston-Salem-based theatre company’s latest play — a one-woman show written and performed by Perri Gaffney about a 15-year-old girl trapped in an arranged marriage in 1948 South Carolina and the continued fight to preserve her spirit — was filmed exclusively for the Schaefer Center Presents virtual fall series. Company artistic director (and the play’s director) Alexander discusses the continued relevance of the subject matter and the challenges of adapting a stage show for the screen.

SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: What would you like audiences to take away from this story?
JACKIE ALEXANDER: The power and resilience of the human spirit. They will also get a Master Class in acting — lol.

SC: Why is this an important story to tell today?
JA: The issue addressed in the play is still prevalent in societies across the globe today. Shining a light on any problem is the first step to confronting it.

SC: What was the experience like filming a show written for and intended to be presented on the stage as opposed to the TV/computer screen?
JA: Challenging, yet exciting. The staging, lighting, performance — all of these things had to be adjusted to fit the medium.

SC: What was that adaptation process like? Did you discover new things about the show or moments in the show that you were able to capture differently?
JA: A lot of work and a lot of fun. And we were definitely able to capture/find new moments in the show, while also capturing the essence of a “live theatre experience” for our audiences.

SC: How is NCBRC adapting to this virtual and socially distanced world we find ourselves in right now?
JA: Finding ways to engage audiences without sacrificing the quality of our work. Creativity fuels the artistic process, and 2020 is forcing artists of all disciplines to dig deep into their toolboxes.

The Resurrection of Alice is FREE, but advance registration is required. Register here: https://theschaefercenter.org/event/the-resurrection-of-alice/