Spunk
by Spectrum Theatre Company

Jul. 14 - Jul. 31, 2016
Thursdays-Sundays

(via Spectrum Theatre)

 

Hurston's evocative prose and Wolfe's unique theatrical style blend to create an evening of theatre that celebrates the human spirit's ability to overcome and endure. Utilizing the blues, choral narrative and dance, the three tales focus on men and women trapped inside the "laughin' kind of lovin' kind of hurtin' kind of pain that comes from being human."

The first of the three tales, SWEAT, tells the story of a young washerwoman who is abused and betrayed by her estranged husband, and of her ultimate triumph over him. The second piece, STORY IN HARLEM SLANG, is told in 1940s Harlemese. It is the story of two street lotharios trying to out-hustle each other and win the favor of—and a meal from—a domestic on her payday afternoon off. The third tale, THE GILDED SIX BITS, is a bittersweet story of an adoring husband's betrayal by his loving but innocent wife.

 

 

Marc Pouhé, Jarrett King (via Marc Pouhé)

 

Wikipedia:

Spunk is a play by American playwright George C. Wolfe and is an adaptation of three stories by Zora Neale Hurston. Wolfe won a 1989 Obie awardfor best off-Broadway director for Spunk.

Dramatists Play Service:

Hurston's evocative prose and Wolfe's unique theatrical style blend to create an evening of theatre that celebrates the human spirit's ability to overcome and endure. Utilizing the blues, choral narrative and dance, the three tales focus on men and women trapped inside the "laughin' kind of lovin' kind of hurtin' kind of pain that comes from being human." The first of the three tales, SWEAT tells the story of a young washerwoman who is abused and betrayed by her estranged husband, and of her ultimate triumph over him. The second piece, STORY IN HARLEM SLANG, is told in 1940s Harlemese. It is the story of two street lotharios trying to outhustle each other and win the favor of—and a meal from—a domestic on her payday afternoon off. The third tale, THE GILDED SIX BITS, is a bittersweet story of an adoring husband's betrayal by his loving but innocent wife.
 
Adapted for the stage from three short stories by Zora Neale Hurston. Music by Chic Street Man. This critically acclaimed adaptation was originally developed at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and was first presented in New York as a co-production of the New York Shakespeare Festival and Crossroads Theater Company.

 

Spunk
by George C. Wolf, adapted from Zora Neale Hurston
Spectrum Theatre Company

Thursdays-Sundays,
July 14 - July 31, 2016
Austin Playhouse
6001 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX, 78752

Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets $25 plus $2.25 processing fee, available HERE.