'BrownGirl. Bluegrass.' to Return to its Kentucky Roots

Trailer for "BrownGirl.Bluegrass."

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 14, 2015) — University of Kentucky theatre alumna Lacresha Berry is set to bring her show, "BrownGirl. Bluegrass.," to the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center in Lexington, for its fifth anniversary Oct. 6 and 7.

Berry's show is an autobiographical story that examines the cultural history of African Americans in Kentucky while honoring the work of her ancestors whose lives parallel with her own. "BrownGirl. Bluegrass." is a one-woman show with seven original songs that evoke ideas of womanhood, family, love and race.

Berry, a Kentucky native, used her hometown of Lexington for more than just inspiration for her story. She conducted her own research at the UK Libraries' Archives to discover important African Americans in Lexington, such as Oliver Lewis, the jockey who won the first Kentucky Derby, Lucy Harth Smith, a pioneer who worked for equality in public schools, and Robert Charles O'Hara Benjamin, an activist who was shot encouraging African Americans to vote.

In addition to Berry, "BrownGirl. Bluegrass." has another tie to UK. This production is directed by journalism alumna Shauna Horn. Berry received her bachelor's degree in theatre from UK in 2003. The play was composed by David Cohn.

"BrownGirl. Bluegrass." is set to make its Lexington debut at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 6 and 7, at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. Both shows are free and open to the public. To reserve tickets, call the Lyric Box Office at 859-280-2218.

A day before the production is staged, the playwright will participate in a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at Blue Stallion Brewing Co.

The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center was a thriving entertainment centerpiece for Lexington's African-American families from 1948 to 1963. Before its closing, numerous small black-owned businesses were launched in and around the theatre as well. The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center was reopened in October 2010 in an effort to preserve, promote and celebrate diverse cultures and community inclusion with a special emphasis on the African-American experience.

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu