Beyond the Color Purple--The Ansonia Speaks

Beyond the Color Purple--The Ansonia Speaks

On Thursday evening the community will have the opportunity to observe the results of "project based learning" as practiced at Anson New Tech High School. All Ansonians are invited to share this experience which celebrates the history of our county, including the challenges, changes, nostalgic remembrances and the hopes for the future. For about 2 months the students have been working on this production along with EbzB Productions. The Anson County Arts Council together with EbzB Productions developed the idea to combine the art of listening and writing, with experience in theatre and performing art. Part of the goal was to include an understanding of the significance of the historic theatre. This project was partially funded by the NC Arts Council and the NC Dept of Cultural Resources through an Artist in Residence grant written by the Anson County Arts Council.

The project started with the entire student body and staff attending a professional production of " War Bonds", a perfect example of historic narrative. Next students were coached on developing questions to focus on Anson's own history, then selecting and interviewing long time residents. Guiding the students, mostly members of the state history classes, were David zum Brunnen and Serena Ebhardt, the actors who wrote and have performed War Bonds across the country and on PBS. Many of the interviews were held and filmed on the stage of the Ansonia. The next step, accomplished by the creative writing class, was to compile the interviews into a script. On Nov 1, 2 and 3, the students, along with the actors, will design simple props and sets, decide what lights and music will be involved, and practice being on the stage. A group of 20 students will become the voices of the Anson residents and even the voice of the Ansonia Theatre itself. The hope is that many of the citizens, even those not interviewed, will hear their own reflections and experience their own acknowledgement of what Anson County has been and the challenges that face us now. The most exciting part of the script is the idea of all coming together and moving forward with renewed energy. The project has given many of the students the opportunity to connect with other generations. It has involved them with multiple community and civic organizations. Many of them have shown a lot of interest in becoming more involved in the arts. They are excited and proud to be one of the first groups to use the "beautiful theatre". It has been rewarding to have them bring parents and friends to see the facility.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to come watch the performance of the original play--"Beyond the Color Purple--Bring Anson Back." It will be held on Thursday at 7:00pm at the Ansonia Theatre. Free to the public. The Arts Council and the students of Anson New Tech would like to especially invite all those interviewed and all the school personnel at the central office and other schools.