AAPACT

Miami - AAPACT proudly presents its latest production, Stories About The Old Days written by Bill Harris. The play stars two of South Florida’s finest actors, John Pryor and Gail Willingham. Directed by Andre’ L. Gainey.

AAPACT presents the play from February 27 through March 16, 2005 in the Wendell Narcisse Theatre at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami, Florida.

Stories of the Old Days, introduces two extraordinary elder citizens whom lives somehow are entwined by a meeting in a church that is closing for good. Clayborn (Pryor), a former blues singer and Ivy (Willingham) a retired factory worker agitate and humor one another with their stories of each others lives. The making of a relationship for the ages develops, through tales of how blues helped shape both Clayborn and Ivy's lives in a magical and sorrowful way. Clearly, Stories of the Old Days is historic. Its characters celebrate a joy of the past, a re-awakening of the present and promise of a brighter future.

Bill Harris is a playwright, poet, and professor of English. His New York productions include Stories About the Old Days, starring S. Epatha Merkerson and Denzel Washington; and Robert Johnson: Trick the Devil, with Guy Davis. His books of poems include Yardbird Suite: Side One, a bio poem of jazz musician Charlie Parker (Michigan State University Press), and The Ringmaster's Array (Past Tents Press). There are two novels in progress.

John Pryor has been involved in theatre since the late 1960’s. After serving four years in Turkey and Texas in the United States Air Force, he returned to civilian life and received his A. A. at Miami-Dade College, his B.A. from FAMU, and His M.F.A. from the University of Miami - all in Theatre related subjects. Mr. Pryor is currently a retired Professor from the Theatre department at Miami Dade College, North Campus. In the past 34 years of teaching theatre, he has also directed more than 90 productions and has appeared in many throughout the South Florida. He keeps his rewards and accolades in a trunk-occasionally taking them out to remember the wonderful moments on and off stage.

Gail Willingham a professional stage actress, playwright, and director, received promising reviews for her recent performance in “Sty of the Blind Pig” at the Joseph Caleb Auditorium. She founded the theater company Wings and Feet and directs and performs on both the local and national level.

Andre’ L. Gainey is in the director’s chair again for his company AAPACT. In 2002, he directed AAPACT's debut play The Island written by Athol Fugard. Gainey directed two other plays, Having Our Say-The First 100 Years of the Delaney Sisters and Sizwe Bansi is Dead. As an actor, Gainey’s most recent works has been August Wilson's Jitney. Gainey has also appeared in the Hampton House, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, King Hedley, Sizwe Bansi is Dead, Riff Raff, Piano Lesson, Raisin in the Sun, Fiction of Law, Prelude to a Kiss and On The Porch opposite Danny Glover at the Miami Arena. He is featured in the film Ape 29 which won an independent film award. Mr. Gainey is an educator at Miami Edison Senior High School in Miami, Florida.

Dress Preview Performance is Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 7:30pm and is FREE and open to the public. An additional Preview Performance is Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 7:30pm. The cost is $10.00

There will be a Special Talk-Back session with actors John Pryor, Gail Willingham and director Andre’ L. Gainey on Friday, February 29, 2008 7:30pm immediately following that evenings’ performance. This is a free performance to the first 50 people to reserve tickets. Ticket prices to all others are $10.00. Solely the Florida Humanities Council sponsors this Special Talk-Back session.

An Official Opening Night Gala Performance will take place on Saturday, March 01, 2008 at 8pm. Ticket price is $25.00.