Eleven exhibits of black stereotypes will be exposed by the Florida A&M Essential Theatre through the stage play “The Colored Museum” debuts today through Sunday at Charles Winter Wood Theatre.
“‘The Colored Museum’ will be exciting,” said Kerrah Sharpe, a fourth-year theater performance student from Tallahassee and “The Colored Museum” house manager. “The play is spreading light on different issues in the African-American community.”
Topics such as black history, slavery, World Wars I and II, the Great Depression, homosexuality and other elements that shape African-American culture and different beliefs and representations individuals have grown to shape in their minds will be discussed.
Throughout the play, the director and production team want the audience to visually understand the storyline and allow them to travel back in town with the plot.
“Throughout the show we are projecting images of what the characters are talking about to get a visual sense,” said Abigail Williams, a fourth-year theater performance student from Miami. “‘The Colored Museum’ is a cultural roller coaster of the black experience. It’s an amazing show.”
Luther Wells, director of “The Colored Museum,” said the play is a message to all, especially people who have certain images of black people.
“This play exposes how we as an African-American culture value ourselves,” Wells said. “You can expect to be entertained. You will laugh, cry, learn lessons on the African-American culture and, more importantly, enjoy yourself.”
The play will begin at 8 p.m. through Friday, with showings at 2 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission for “The Colored Museum” is $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and FAMU employees with ID, $8 for students and children and FAMU students are free with their FAMU ID. The Wednesday and Thursday previews are $8 for general admission.
The Meeks-Eaton Black Archives will feature a free “Colored Museum” still exhibit now until Oct. 21.