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Shawn Christopher Lovell Nabors Unveils Latest Stageplay “The People with the Trees in Their Chest” in Partnership with Grand Vision Foundation and California Arts Council
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Los Angeles, CA – May 18th, 2024 – Playwright and multidisciplinary artist Shawn Christopher Lovell Nabors brings his latest theatrical work, “The People with the Trees in Their Chest,” to the stage, underscoring the intricate challenges faced by Black and Brown individuals within the healthcare system. This poignant production, made possible by the generous contributions from the California Arts Council and the steadfast support from the Grand Vision Foundation, promises to captivate audiences with its powerful narrative and thought-provoking themes.
In “The People with the Trees in Their Chest,” Nabors deftly navigates themes illuminating the unique struggles experienced by marginalized communities in accessing adequate healthcare. Drawing from his own identity as a Black queer playwright, Nabors infuses his storytelling with authenticity and representation, delving into the intersectionality of identity and healthcare disparities.
As a platform for social justice advocacy within the realm of theater, “The People with the Trees in Their Chest” sheds light on the pervasive issues affecting Black and Brown communities, particularly within the realm of cardiac health. Through compelling characters and evocative storytelling, Nabors invites audiences to confront the systemic inequities that continue to plague our healthcare system.
“This play is a platform for social justice advocacy within the realm of theater,” says Nabors. “It examines how healthcare disparities affect Black and Brown communities, particularly through the lens of cardiac health. Through storytelling, we can raise awareness and inspire action to address these critical issues.”
“The People with the Trees in Their Chest” is set to premiere in Los Angeles on June 21st and 22nd at The Grand Annex Music Hall.
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Plot
In a town steeped in family legacies and ancestral connections, the lives of Margaret, Chauncey, Loretta, Germaine, and Theo intersect in a tapestry of personal struggles and familial conflicts. As Margaret’s family grapples with the significance of Osagie, a tree intertwined with their lineage, Chauncey’s medical career is shadowed by a haunting trauma that leads him on a quest to break a familial curse. Loretta’s pursuit of justice in a legal battle mirrors the internal strife within the family home, while Germaine’s holistic healing practices aim to mend fractures amidst sibling discord. Against the backdrop of their shared past and the enigmatic power of Osagie, each character navigates a journey of resilience, legacy, and redemption within the intricate web of their interconnected histories.
Cast
- Margaret – Deanna Reed-Foster
- Germaine – Bernadette Speakes
- Loretta – Pam Trotter
- Theo/Doctor #2/Therapist – Bobby McGee
- Little Chauncey – Quentin Blanton Jr.
- Grown Chauncey – Shawn Christopher Lovell Nabors
- Doctor #1/Real Estate Agent/Police Officer – Loren Kinsella
About Shawn Christopher Lovell Nabors
Shawn Christopher Lovell Nabors is a multifaceted artist – actor, writer, and musician – hailing from Brooklyn, New York, and currently based in Los Angeles, California. His work seeks to elevate diverse Black and Queer narratives, positioning them at the forefront of mainstream media and global consciousness. Nabors’ accolades include rave reviews for his portrayal of MOSES in the play “PASS OVER” at the Studio Theatre in DC, as well as fellowships and workshops with esteemed institutions such as The Atlantic Theatre Company, The Fire This Time Festival, and Harvard University. He holds a BFA in Acting from Syracuse University and an MFA in Acting from Harvard University. Nabors’ newest album, “ASCENSION,” is available on all major digital streaming platforms.
About Grand Vision Foundation
Grand Vision Foundation (Grand Vision) is an arts non-profit organization San Pedro, CA, part of the City of Los Angeles. Founded in 1996, the organization began as the Friends Group to the historic Warner Grand Theatre, which is now owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. Grand Vision has evolved to include two long-running projects: the live music series and staged performances at the Grand Annex, a 150-seat cabaret-style listening room, centrally located in San Pedro’s pedestrian-friendly Arts District and the development and implementation of Meet the Music, an in-school music education curriculum in Los Angeles Harbor Area elementary schools.
Grand Vision Foundation’s (GVF) mission is to inspire and engage the diverse LA Harbor/South Bay community through culturally inclusive arts and educational experiences centered on the historic Warner Grand Theatre and the Grand Annex in downtown San Pedro.
At their core, they are committed to bringing people together under a banner of the creative arts, and since 1996, Grand Vision has played a vital role in transforming the Harbor Area community into an active arts district and destination.
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