Kenny Moten and Dr. Ray Black to Lead Discussions with Audiences
OpenStage is committed to providing an inclusive and enriching experience for audiences. SWEAT features a talented and diverse cast, bringing authenticity to the characters and their stories. After select performances Dr. Ray Black, and Kenny Moten will host talkback panel discussions with audience members reviewing the content of the production and its relevance today. Talkbacks will occur after performances on Friday, January 26, February 9 and Sunday, January 28.
Talkback with Kenny Moten – Friday, January 26 and February 9, 2024
Kenny Moten is the director of OpenStage’s production of SWEAT as well as the 2023 Colorado Theatre Person of the Year. He is an award-winning vocalist, creative director, and writer who has performed and directed across the country.
Kenny is the co/creator and co/writer of The Bright Lights of Denver (DCPA Off-Center), director and co/producer of Motones & Jerseys (National Tour). Other directing credits: Toni Stone (Aurora Fox Arts Center), Dreamgirls (Lone Tree Arts Center) Miss Rhythm (Denver Center for the Performing Arts), CABARET (OpenStage), and Cinderella (Arvada Center). When he is not developing new projects or directing theater, he is collaborating with the dynamic collective he started in 2016: Narrative Creative.
Talkback with Dr. Ray Black – Sunday, January 28, 2024
Dr. Ray Black is an assistant professor of ethnic studies focusing on African American studies at Colorado State University. His primary academic focus is on how current students of color, from early childhood through graduate school, succeed.
Dr. Black’s secondary scholarly focus is on representations of Black life in the slave narratives and other nineteenth century documents, and how these depictions conceal various modes of survival through literary irony and the folkloric trickster. Dr. Black has taught early childhood education (Head Start), has been the coordinator for a non-profit program seeking to keep young men of color in high school, and led campaigns for reform minded school board candidates. He applies these interests and experiences in mentoring current and former students.
Bringing SWEAT to Fort Collins is a significant cultural milestone for the community. The play’s resonant themes of resilience and unity are particularly relevant in today’s world, where communities everywhere are grappling with economic shifts and social challenges. The emotional depth and authenticity of Nottage’s storytelling promise to leave a lasting impact on audiences, sparking essential conversations about the fabric of our society.
SWEAT plays from January 13 through February 10. All performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday start at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinee performances start at 2:00 pm. Visit openstagesweat.com for a complete list of performances, including a free student/educator performance, a pay-what-you-can performance, and FAB Friday, which includes a free beer compliments of Odell Brewing Company.
CONTENT WARNING: This production contains profanity, racial slurs, sexual/suggestive content, physical violence, references to substance abuse and suicide. Questions about content? Contact us!
Tickets for SWEAT are $12-$34. Tickets are available online at www.openstagesweat.com or by calling The Lincoln Center Box Office at 970.221.6730. The box office is open 12 pm–6 pm Tuesday-Saturday.
OpenStage Theatre & Company’s Season Sponsors are KRFC 88.9, Warren & Zoann Little Dusenbury Charitable Trust, Mike & Marsha Marberry, Odell Brewing Co., John & Anne Blair, Avogadro’s Number, Ken & Carol Severson, Sara Wade Makes Motion, Wych & Associates and FoCo Food Trucks. The Producing Sponsor for SWEAT is Steve Finnestead Photography, and the Supporting Sponsor is The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci. Grant support is provided by the Downtown Development Authority, City of Fort Collins Fort Fund, Colorado Creative Industries, Art Works, Energize Colorado, OtterCares: Dollars for Doers Grant Recipient, The Thornton Charitable Foundation, and Arts Without End.