Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents “Watsons Go to Birmingham” – WSFA

Montgomery, Ala. (WSFA) – A classic set here in Alabama, “Watsons Go to Birmingham” is a painful and heartbreaking tale of family ties in a dark moment in the history of the state.

The play tells the tragic tale of a scandalous moment in the history of Birmingham from the perspective of visitors outside the city- the family of Watson- especially the youngest son of the family, Kenny.

“This story, with its humor, tenderness and unwavering honesty, reminds us of the weight of our responsibility for the next generation,” writes play director Keith Arthur Boldon in the director’s note.

The story begins with Kenny in trouble, fighting to remember the events of the recent visit of the family at his grandmother’s house in Alabama. The show follows Kenny and his family through his memories as he processes what happened when they travel to Birmingham.

It all starts when Watson’s most big child, Byron, refuses to take his education seriously. After being caught skipping school, his parents decide that it would be good for him to spend summer in Birmingham with his grandmother Sands.

The family goes to what should be a three -day driving to Birmingham, as Mom Watson is anxiously thinking about her aspiration using the Green Book to avoid dangerous stops.

Along the way, Kenny and the whole family must face the harsh realities of racism in the deep south, constantly examining their shoulders for anyone who can intend to harm them. Byron annoys her little siblings, Kenny and Joey, with tales of monsters to the south, some imaginary, some real. But along the way, Kenny learns what it means to be a family, as he witnesses the true power of love that surrounds him.

The family is facing several close meetings with danger through the show, the last and the worst event that shakes Kenny to his base and leaves it to question the reality.

This internal disturbance can be seen throughout the game and throughout the set, with broken construction pieces, church objects and family memorials hung in the middle above the stage through the show. However, the floor, shot by the roots of a large tree in the back of the stage, refers to Grandma’s words about how your family holds you healthy.

A story that hits harder at home, here in Alabama, “Watsons Go to Birmingham” is not just a historic piece, but also an upcoming piece of relying on your loved ones to find hope and understanding in times of times of Fear.

A reminder of how far we go and how far we have to go, watch “Watsons go to Birmingham” in Alabama is a unique and special experience.

“In the alabama, where the echo of the story lingers so much- this game serves as a mirror and as a map, a guide so that we can learn from and not repeat the mistakes of the past,” Boldon writes.

Show the scene of the Osmagon of the Alabama Shakespeare festival until February 23, take your Watsons Tickets go to Birmingham HERE!

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