BSR_S09E25 - Glitter In The Glass - Theatre Exile - R. Eric Thomas
Today on the podcast:
Playwright, R. Eric Thomas and Director, Ontaria Kim Wilson, drop in to talk about the Regional Premiere of “Glitter In The Glass”.
In this engaging conversation, host Darnelle Radford speaks with playwright R. Eric Thomas and director Ontaria Kim Wilson about the regional premiere of 'Glitter in the Glass.' They explore themes of identity, community, and the cultural significance of their work, while reflecting on personal journeys and the importance of storytelling in the Black experience. The discussion also touches on the contrasts within Baltimore and Philadelphia, the impact of generational wisdom, and the ongoing quest for belonging and understanding in a complex world. In this conversation, R. Eric Thomas, Ontaria Kim Wilson and Darnelle Radford explore the significance of monuments, symbols, and storytelling in relation to African American history and culture. They discuss the relevance of historical monuments today, the impact of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the importance of empathy in understanding the past. The dialogue also touches on the role of art in reflecting identity and the necessity of continuing to tell stories that resonate with the community.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Glitter in the Glass
02:59 The Journey of Ontario Wilson
05:59 Eric Thomas: The Playwright's Perspective
09:01 Exploring Identity Through Names
12:02 Thematic Depth of Glitter in the Glass
14:55 Cultural Reflections and Black Utopias
17:51 Baltimore: A City of Contrasts
21:06 Community and History in Black Spaces
24:05 Generational Wisdom and Fear
27:01 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
29:32 Symbols and Their Meanings
32:50 The Impact of the National Museum of African American History
35:44 The Importance of Storytelling
40:41 Art as a Reflection of Identity
44:37 Confronting the Past
51:11 The Role of Empathy in Understanding History
54:57 The Call to Action for Art and Community
GLITTER IN THE GLASS
Written by R. Eric Thomas
May 29, 2025 — June 22, 2025
Directed By: Ontaria Kim Wilson
Opening Night: June 5, 2025
Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
120 minutes including 10 minute intermission
THIS SHOW CONTAINS THE USE OF THEATRICAL FOG
Chelle, a Black mid-career artist, has written a check that she's not sure her talent can cash. When the city of Baltimore takes down the Confederate monument in the park across the street from her childhood home, she has an idea. She'll apply for a grant to create a piece to replace it. Caught between the past, the present, and the future, Chelle, portrayed by Jennifer Kidwell, is catapulted into a journey that takes her back before the Middle Passage and out beyond the bounds of this planet.
“Wildly funny and thought-provoking” (CTX Life Theatre), Glitter in the Glass by multi-award winning playwright, R. Eric Thomas, is about liminal spaces, and a world on the cusp of exploding.
FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://theatreexile.org
