When Nathan Louis Jackson wrote “Broke-ology” as a Juilliard student in 2007, he set his story in the working-class neighborhoods of Kansas City, KS, where he grew up. Now, the production —that ran at New York’s Lincoln Center—returns to the streets that inspired it.
Following its ticketed run at Copaken Stage (Feb. 11 – March 2), “Broke-ology” will tour community venues across the metro area. This free program, KCRep for All, brings professional theater directly to neighborhoods through March 16.
Director Francois Battiste, who performed in the original cast, says this play is uniquely suited for a free community tour.
“When we go out into the community, we strip down all the pomp and circumstance to deliver this story,” says Battiste. “That’s what people are going to hang on to – the heart of what Nathan Louis Jackson was writing about.”
Each performance includes post-show discussions with the cast and crew. While the production contains strong language and is recommended for ages 14 and up, its messages speak across generations.
The play gets its name from a term coined by the character Ennis to describe “the study of being broke.” The play follows the King family and two brothers facing a dilemma. One pursues academic dreams in environmental science while the other prepares for fatherhood. Both must decide how to care for their ailing father and honor their late mother’s legacy.
For this production, Battiste cast primarily local actors who understand the play’s cultural geography. KC locals Robert E. Coppage III and Raffeal Sears portray brothers Ennis and Malcolm, while Teonna Wesley appears as their mother Sonia in pivotal flashbacks. Broadway veteran Melvin Abston plays William King.
Broke-Ology Community Shows
Performances are free and open to the public, with limited staging, as part of the KCRep for All program.
March 6 – 7 p.m.
Washington High School, KCK
March 7 – 2 p.m.
Beatrice Lee Community Center, KCK
March 8 – 1 p.m.
Johnson County Central Library, Overland Park, KS
March 12 – 1 p.m.
North East Branch Library, KCMO
March 13 – 6 p.m.
West Wyandotte Library, KCK
March 14 – 6 p.m.
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, KCMO
March 16 – 2 p.m.
Kansas City Community College Performing Arts Building, KCK
Closed Performances at:
Don Bosco Senior Center
Morning Star Youth & Family Life Center
Veteran’s Community Project
Will it be performed anywhere in KC area in April?
NO, the last date is March 16. Hope you can find a date that works for you, the play is fantastic!