UK Alumna Returns to Stage in ‘Red and Brown Water’

Trailer for UK Theatre's production of "In the Red and Brown Water" by Tarell Alvin McCraney.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2016) — University of Kentucky alumna Debra Faulk has returned to campus to share her talents with the cast of the UK Department of Theatre and Dance production of Tarell Alvin McCraney's "In the Red and Brown Water." The powerful play about choice will stage its last performances Feb. 25-28, at the Guignol Theatre.

“That’s why I continue to come back,” Faulk, who plays Mama Mojo, said of her professors. “If it wasn’t for my professors in theater and dance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. That’s where I got my support. I’m honored to be here … it’s all coming full circle.”

"In the Red and Brown Water" follows fleet-footed young athlete Oya, who is on the verge of womanhood and forced to make life-altering decisions. Does she escape fate by accepting a track scholarship at a state university or does she remain stuck in the Louisiana projects to take care of her dying mother? And who will her heart choose, Shango, a military man, or Ogun, a down-to-earth businessman? Oya must come to terms with her identity, her sacrifice and her loss.

Faulk, who plays Oya’s mother, describes her character as protective. “Mama Mojo is the provider, the nurturer, the disciplinarian. She holds the community together, passing stories down from her ancestors to Oya.” She says that her own maternal instinct can be seen on and off stage, looking after her fellow cast members.

Herman Farrell III, director of the play and associate professor of theatre, is already seeing the benefits of having Faulk in the cast. "Debra's presence in rehearsals and on the stage raises the bar and provides the student actors with a professional role model," said Farrell, who previously directed Faulk in "A Raisin in the Sun," one of her many performances at UK as an undergraduate.

"In the Red and Brown Water" is the first play in a trilogy of plays called "The Brother/Sister Plays." The second play, "The Brothers Size," premiered at Actors Theatre of Louisville a few years ago. "In the Red and Brown Water" premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta and was later produced at the Young Vic in London. The entire trilogy had its world-premiere at The Public Theatre in New York in 2009.

Faulk graduated from UK in 2007 with a degree in theater and later received her master's degree in media studies from California State University, Los Angeles, in 2013. Faulk has been a professional comedian for two decades and is the founder and artistic director of Rainbow Attractions LLC, which aims to combine entertainment while highlighting serious health issues with added elements of humor and joy.

Joining Faulk on stage are fellow cast members:

· theatre freshman Isaiah Archie portraying Elegba;

· theatre senior Deandreus Baines portraying Egungun;

· theatre sophomore Navji Dixon portraying Oya;

· theatre freshman Tamia Fair portraying Aunt Elegua;

· vocal performance sophomore Chase Grimes portraying O Li Roon;

· theatre junior Kenny Hamilton portraying Ogun;

· theatre senior Shermaine Johns-Dorsey portraying Nia;

· theatre sophomore Curtis Lipsey III portraying Shango;

· theatre senior Beau McGhee portraying The Man From State; and

· theatre freshman Jasmine Sampson as Shun.

The last five performances of "In the Red and Brown Water" will take the Guignol stage 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 25-27, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28. Tickets for the production are $15 for general admission and $10 for students with a valid school ID through the Singletary Center box office. Fees will be added to purchase upon completion of transaction. To purchase tickets, contact the box office at 859-257-4929, visit online at www.scfatickets.com or purchase in person during operating hours.

The UK Department of Theatre and Dance at UK College of Fine Arts has played an active role in the performance scene in Central Kentucky for more than 100 years. Students in the program get hands-on training and one-on-one mentorship from the renowned professional theatre faculty. The liberal arts focus of their bachelor's degree program is coupled with ongoing career counseling to ensure a successful transition from campus to professional life. 

Strong language and sexual content are used in the production of "In the Red and Brown Water." Viewer discretion is advised.

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