Pitt's Kuntu Repertory Theatre Presents August Wilson's Acclaimed Seven Guitars May 18-June 3

PITTSBURGH-The University of Pittsburgh's Kuntu Repertory Theatre will present Seven Guitars May 18-June 3 in the Seventh-Floor Auditorium of Pitt's Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland. Written by the late August Wilson, Pittsburgh native and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, it is the fourth play in Kuntu's "Revival on 5th Avenue" series. Kuntu last performed Seven Guitars in April 2005 at the August Wilson Play Festival in State College, Pa. Kuntu actors also took part in this year's "August in February" event at the Byham Theatre, which featured vignettes from several of Wilson's plays.

Set in 1948 in a backyard in Pittsburgh's Hill District, Seven Guitars is a poignant journey of love, laughter, and music. It is the story of Floyd "Schoolboy" Barton, an aspiring blues musician, as seen through the eyes of six friends returning from his funeral. Like seven different musical instruments, each friend shares a tale that strikes a singular note in a discordant world. The cast includes Ben Cain as Barton, Wali Jamal as Canewell, Nathan James as Red Carter, Kimberly Ginyard as Vera, Rita Gregory as Louise, and Monique Pappas as Ruby. (The actor playing Hedley has not been announced.)

Seven Guitars made its Broadway premiere in 1996. It is the sixth installment of Wilson's decade-by-decade exploration of the African American experience in the United States throughout the 20th century. Wilson's plays, all but one of which is set in Pittsburgh, have garnered many awards, including Pulitzer Prizes for Fences (1987) and The Piano Lesson (1990); a Tony Award for Fences; Great Britain's Olivier Award for Jitney; as well as seven New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Fences, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, Two Trains Running, Seven Guitars, and Jitney.

Director Charles Dumas, an associate professor at the Penn State University School of Theatre, will conduct a free actor's workshop, including tips on acting technique and auditioning, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 in the Seventh-Floor Auditorium. Dumas has written, directed, or produced many plays, including A Colored Museum, Fences, A Wolf by the Ears, and Ladies Night at the Cotton Club. As a professional actor, he has appeared in Die Hard With a Vengeance, Deep Impact, and Separate but Equal, and has had roles on the small screen in Law and Order and Ed.

Performances of Seven Guitars are at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. Matinees are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, May 27, and 11 a.m. Thursday, June 1. For ticket and group sales information, call 412-624-7298 or visit www.kuntu.org.

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4/19/06/tmw