Last week, the Odyssey House Theatre Project had its first field trip to see The Book of Grace at the Public Theatre. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, The Book of Grace explores family dysfunction and themes of revenge and betrayal in the story of border patrol officer Vet; Buddy, the son he hasn’t seen in 15 years; and Vet’s optimistic second wife, Grace. OHTP director Tom Demenkoff said it was an inspiring evening:
“Walking down the steps back to the lobby, I discussed what we had just seen with our stage manager, Anna, and OHTP members. The consensus was clear: The Book of Grace was an exciting and thought-provoking play that challenged us to stretch the limits of our imagination as both writers and actors.”
But the evening didn’t end when the play did: Suzan-Lori Parks surprised the teens by appearing in the lobby, offering advice and signing autographs. The teens also had the opportunity to meet actor Amari Cheatom, who plays Buddy. He spent some time with the group talking about the program and even offered to spend an afternoon working out with them in Harlem.
Read more about the teens’ experience on the Odyssey House Theatre Project blog.
Amari Cheatom with teens from the OHTP.