FAMU theater professor presents new play

Award-winning playwright and Florida A&M professor James Webb is presenting his newest stage play, “Sibling Rivalry,” at the Southside Arts Complex.

“Sibling Rivalry” is a collection of short stories about sisters and brothers that take place in the deep South. They do their best to cope with the stress of burying a family member while still maintaining their sanity.

During the play, tempers flare, secrets are revealed and lines are crossed. Webb said he has a special connection to the play, and it is filled with drama, laughs and love.

“I wrote the play because I was having a hard time reconciling why I don’t like my own sister,” Webb said. “Of course, I love her, but she’s not the type of person I would choose to be my friend. This play helped me to understand my dilemma and even have a better relationship with my sister.”

The production features an ensemble cast of FAMU alumni and professors, including Melvin Middleton, Marci Duncan, Kevin Bronson, Veronique George, Webb, Anedra Johnson, Tim Orange, and Dee Selmore.

Selmore, a Florida State University media and communications graduate student from Fort Myers, Fla., said this play is great for people who have siblings.

“People should come and see this play because it is a play that anyone with a brother or sister can relate to,” Selmore said. “It talks about how our siblings can bring out the best and the worst in us at any time. An audience member can laugh, cry, relate, and just have a good time.”

Show times are Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Show times continue Oct. 30 through Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. On Nov. 2, there will be two showings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The last showing is Nov. 3, 3 p.m.

Advance tickets are $20 and tickets at the door are $25. However, Webb understands that $20 ticket can be a bit much for students, so on Oct. 30, and Oct. 31 at 7 p.m., the ticket prices will reduce to $10.

The play also contains strong language for mature audiences. The Location of the complex is 2525 S Monroe St.