Trinity College’s Austin Art Center Presents “Jimmy and Lorraine: A Musing”
LAUNCHING AN ENCORE PERFORMANCE OF THE HARTBEAT ENSEMBLE PRODUCTION.
Austin Arts Center will be hosting a six performance encore of HartBeat Ensemble’s Jimmy and Lorraine: A Musing. Written by Talvin Wilk, the poignant play focuses on the friendship of acclaimed writers and activists James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry. Vanessa Butler will play A Raisin in the Sun playwright Hansberry, while Jon-Michael Reese will portray the prolific Baldwin. Nick Roesler completes the three-person cast, stepping in for Robert F. Kennedy, Norman Mailer and Robert Nemiroff.
Set in the United States during the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, Baldwin and Hansberry grapple with balancing their artistic careers and their moral obligation to the Civil Rights Movement. The play is inspired by a vast archive of essays, personal letters and interviews, as well as speeches and political debates. The production will be staged at Austin Arts Center’s Goodwin Theater from October 10 until October 19. “We are looking forward to reintroducing Jimmy and Lorraine. This smart, challenging and lyrical play is a powerful window into two of the greatest Black artists of the 20th century. Everyone should be able to access the genius of these two legends, Talvin Wilks' brilliant play, and the incredibly talented cast we have assembled," HartBeat Ensemble Artistic Director Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr.
Prioritizing the community, tickets are free, but require advance registration. The play is 90 minutes with no intermission. The schedule is as follows: Thursday, October 10 at 7:30pm; Saturday, October 12 at 7:30pm; Thursday, October 17 at 2:00 p.m.; Friday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Following the encore performances, HartBeat Ensemble’s James Baldwin Centennial Season that will continue with Kyle Bass’ Citizen James in early 2025.