The story of how a Harlem Renaissance author Zora Neale Hurston wrote a short story in 1925 about a charismatic drifter and his unusual love affair, that in 1935 became a play stuffed with folklore and hoo voo and local customs of Black Americans is an intriguing mystery all on its own. Miraculously it wasn’t until 1997 or thereabouts that the Library of Congress rediscovered this lost play from the author’s donated works. Now thanks to the Yale Repertory Theatre this parable about life in the South, wrapped around love’s triumph and fate, called “Spunk”, will receive a full production at the University Theatre, 222 York Street, New Haven until Saturday, October 25.
Despite many obstacles, like the loss of $30,000 in funding, Hurston’s work is finally going to get a full staging and an audience, thanks to expressive new songs, arrangements and supervision by Nehemiah Luckett, enthusiastic choreography by nicHi doulgas and inspired direction by Tamilla Woodard.
Come follow J. Quinton Johnson’s assertive Spunk as he glides into town with a mastery of music in his heart. He sets tongues wagging but his sight is fixed on one pair of eyes, Kimber Elayne Sprawl’s Evalina. Spunk ignores the obvious fact that she is married, and taken by the local conjurer’s son or that Kimberly Marable's Ruby adores him. The scene where Spunk is cursed by the ghosts is especially powerful, cloaked as it is in a veil of red.
In honor of this historical treasure, many special events have been planned. A Community Conversation will take place with Yale Rep at the Stetson branch of the New Haven Public Library, 197 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven on Monday, October 20, including a limited number of free tickets to the play. Beinecke Library at 121 Wall Street in New Haven will host an Open House Celebrating Zora Neals Hurston on Sunday, October 26 from 1-4 p.m. including actors and artists from the play, manuscripts donated by the author and light snacks. For tickets ($15-65), call the Yale Rep at 203-432-1234 or online at yalerep.yale.edu. Performances are Tuesday at 8 p.m., occasional Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m and 8 p.m. Enter a world conjured up by Zora Neale Hurston and follow Spunk meet his fate as he fights for the love of his life and for his survival.
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