Press Release
Jan. 17, 2003

The African American Theater Arts Troupe is a student-based organization that came together under the leadership and direction of Mr. Donald Williams. Mr. Williams founded and initiated the troupe in 1991 and it has been in existence for the last 12 years. The artists involved in this troupe come from a variety of backgrounds and majors. The theater troupe was formed as a vehicle to create unity, higher visibility, and understanding of the African American culture. They encourage the celebration of American ethnic diversities and cultures in at the University of California, Santa Cruz and in the larger community through both educational and creative outlets. The troupe is the only one of its kind in the Santa Cruz County area performing such plays as Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, 1992. The Amen Corner 1993, Joe Turners Come And Gone, 1994, Tambourines To Glory, 1995, A Soldier's Play, 1997, Fences 1998, God's Trombones, 1999, A Long Time Since yesterday, 2000 and Blues For An Alabama Sky, 2001.

Through such an array of productions along with joint efforts of the campus and community collaborations, the African American Theater Arts Troupe formed the African American Student Scholarship Fund at UC Santa Cruz, giving out annual awards and awarding over $50,000 in scholarship funding since the troupe's pioneer production in 1992. The raising of funds continues to be a major mission of the troupe because it allows support and recognition for students while at the same time it focuses on recognition, recruitment and retention of students of color.

This year's production is Seven Guitars by August Wilson. The play takes place in the backyard of a house in Pittsburgh, PA in 1948 just before the start of the Civil Rights movement. This full-length drama is filled with historical context, vivid imagery, and is interlaced with the music that inspired a generation of activism. August Wilson is one of the most influential and renowned African American writers of our time. His play, Seven Guitars, provides a vivid look at the culture of African Americans here in America during this time period.

Performance dates:
February 14th - 15th at 8pm and February 16th at 3pm at UCSC's Second Stage
February 22nd at 8pm at Western Stage in Salinas
March 1st at 8pm at Cabrillo College
March 15th at 7pm at Odemeyer Center in Seaside CA.

The troupe conceives itself as one that fosters unity between races, proving an outlet for the creative talents of African American artists, and encouraging the development of marked abilities through the awarding of annual scholarships. If you would like further information about the production please contact Don Williams at (831) 459 3409, fax (831) 459 3552, or Dwilliam@cats.ucsc.edu.