INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Repertory Theatre will continue its long-standing history of bringing impactful books to stage with Christopher Paul Curtis’ award-winning youth historical fiction novel, The Watsons Go To Birmingham—1963. Adapted by playwright Cheryl L. West, this Civil Rights-era family drama will run Feb. 1 – March 1 on the IRT Upperstage.
Set in the 1960s on the edge of the actual historical tragedy of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 follows a fictional African American family as they travel from Michigan through the Deep South, where they end up navigating the prejudice and violence encountered by black people in Jim Crow America. Told through the perspectives of the three young children, this multigenerational story is both a warm look at family love and a moving exploration of the effects of racism on youth and communities.
Directed by Mikael Burke, this production is the second in IRT’s new INclusion Series, which celebrates diverse storytelling, and this season, focuses on the Native American, African American, and Chinese American experiences.
Each public performance throughout the run will have a post-show discussion led by cast members, staff or various community organizations, including Central Indiana Community Foundation. In addition to these important discussions, the IRT is offering a Sensory Friendly performance on February 22 for those with autism or other sensory sensitivities.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St. Tickets and performance schedules are available at IRTlive.com. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online or by calling 317-635-5252.
