Emory & Henry College Theatre Department Presents “All the Natalie Portmans” – A Play Celebrating Representation and Resilience.
Emory & Henry College Theatre Department announces the upcoming production of “All the Natalie Portmans,” a groundbreaking play presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. This captivating production, directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Patrice Foster, is set to take the stage at The McGlothlin Center for the Arts at Emory & Henry College in the Black Box Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28-30 and at 3 p.m. on Oct. 1.
“All the Natalie Portmans” is a remarkable exploration of identity, resilience, and the power of representation. Sixteen-year-old Keyonna and her older brother Samuel navigate life’s challenges on the brink of eviction while dreaming of a brighter future. As they grapple with a world that sees them as “too smart,” “too gay,” and “too lonely.” Keyonna finds solace in the cinematic world of rom-coms, red carpets, and the iconic characters portrayed by her muse, Natalie Portman. However, when these “Natalie Portmans” start speaking to her, Keyonna is forced to confront her off-screen drama in this imaginative and touching new play.
Director Patrice Foster, who is passionate about representation in the arts, shared her motivation behind the production. “It is important for us as a department to give our students the opportunity to perform a play written, directed, and performed by Black people. Representation is the reason I do what I do,” said Foster. “I wish I would have seen this play when I was 16. I would have been able to live my life authentically sooner. This play is for all of the awkward Black girls, the Issa Rae’s, the insecure, the dreamers, the believers, and the unapologetic. It’s for everyone who has faced adversity, who has overcome, who supported someone when they were down and celebrated the wins. This play is for everyone.”
For ticket information and reservations, please contact 276-944-6333 or visit www.ehc.edu/mca/tickets. Emory & Henry College Theatre Department encourages all theatre enthusiasts, students, and community members to secure their tickets early, as this production promises to be an unforgettable experience that celebrates the strength of diversity and the resilience of the human spirit. For mature audiences only.
Cast
Keyonna- Destinee Johnson
Sam- Ty Roberson
Chantel- Yazmine Holmes
Ovetta- Shamiyeh Noel
Natalie Portman- Aubin Jefferson
Epps- Voice Over by Terrance Jackson
Production Crew
Stage Manager - Katie Bolling
Assistant Stage Manager- Evelyn Shepard
Technical Director- Catherine Mantooth
Master Electrician- Heather Eisenhart
Light Board Operator - Haley Parker
Sound Operator - Camille Hoad
Prop Master - Jay Ruttenberg
Run Crew- Madison Harosky and Drea Ross
Wardrobe Crew- Jay Ruttenberg and Delaney Stogdale
Open gallery
