In addition to great theater, University of Detroit Mercy’s Theatre Company is presenting a major expansion in programming designed to make the carefully chosen theatrical works even more relevant to the community.
Every show in the company’s 46th season will feature a number of opportunities for audience members to discuss themes and issues represented in the works presented.
“Our theater reflects our community,” said managing director of The Theatre Company Greg Grobis. “We have always produced work aligned with our social justice mission, but now we’re being more vocal about it.”
Grobis saw the great opportunity to deepen audience experience during last year’s “Low Hanging Fruit,” a drama about the plight of U.S. women veterans who find themselves homeless. He brought in members of Detroit Mercy faculty to discuss the reality behind the production.
This year, The Theatre Company expanded its programming, launching The Detroit Theatre Discussion Project. The project features discussions to be led by history, religious studies and psychology faculty—among others—after performances and in the community before the show. Funding for much of this program has come from a major grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs.
This year’s opening show, “Alabama Story,” included a number of pre- and post-show discussions that addressed the racial themes of the play in a historical context. Several events included a discussion with the play’s author, Kenneth Jones. Perhaps in part because of this enhanced programming, “Alabama” was The Theatre Company’s biggest-selling play since 2010.
All productions are done at the Marlene Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA in downtown Detroit, which Grobis says is a great way for Detroit Mercy to bring relevant theater to the community.
“What the Detroit Theatre Discussion Project does is to give our community the opportunity to join in a conversation around our shows,” Grobis said. “The audience has responded very well, which tells me we’re providing programming that is wanted in the community.”
Also included in this season’s programming are free afterglows, which allow the audience to interact with the cast and crew of the productions. Check the website to see which performances include these informal gatherings.
Two productions remain in the season: William Inge’s American classic “Bus Stop” runs Feb. 9-26 and the bawdy adult musical “Avenue Q” runs March 23-April 9.
For more information on the 46th season of Detroit Mercy’s The Theatre Company, including the schedule of the programming and ticket information, visit thetheatreco.com.
