Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center
Issues of race and the impact of prejudice and stereotypes will be in the spotlight literally and figuratively when the Performing Arts Company (PAC) at SUNY Fredonia presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fairview.”
The production opens Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Alice Bartlett Theatre on the Fredonia campus. Performances are also slated for Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.
Tickets for “Fairview” are available 24/7 online, by phone (716) 673-3501 or in person at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or at the theater on the performance dates.
Written by Jackie Sibblies Drury, “Fairview” is a drama in three acts, which follows the Fraisers, a middle-class black family preparing for birthday of their grandmother all the while being watched and judged by white people.
“Fairview” earned a Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2019, with the award committee noting the play was “a hard-hitting drama that examines race in a highly conceptual, layered structure, ultimately bringing audiences into the actors’ community to face deep-seated prejudices.”
For Director Nyles Emile, the PAC production will be the culmination of a journey that began in 2018 when he was still a high school student.
“I saw a production of ‘Fairview’ at Soho Rep in New York City. It was an eye-opening experience,” Emile said.
As a first-year student at Fredonia, Emile did a project on “Fairview” for a class and concluded he wanted to direct a production. Now in his senior year as a B.F.A. Acting major, he has achieved that goal.
“I really wanted to direct this show with PAC,” he said. “The topics it confronts – race, class, the stereotypes people of color have placed on them – are important. I hope that when people see it, they will see my passion for this project.”
Emile said “Fairview” raises two important questions for all people – how do you perceive yourself and how does the world perceive you?
“You have to understand what that means and see the stereotypes placed against you,” he said.
The director hopes audiences will be inspired to discuss the issues raised by “Fairview.” To that end, a talk back session will be held after each performance for interested parties.
Emile said this is this is the first time PAC has produced a show with Black leading characters.
“I wanted to do as much outreach as possible for casting and have the casting be inclusive,” he said, noting that more than 40 people ended up auditioning for the 8 roles. “I’m really happy with the cast we have.”
PAC is Fredonia’s second largest student organization. In addition to productions like “Fairview,” PAC produces original student work and offers workshops and master classes. The organization’s goal is to provide opportunities to all students looking to pursue their interest in theater.
Emile thinks the fact PAC allows students to get involved with theater productions regardless of their majors helps brings fresh perspectives to a project. More than 30 people are involved in bringing “Fairview” to life on stage.
“This is a very big moving machine,” Emile said. “I hope people will join us to laugh, think and learn how a person’s identity can shape the world.”
