The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc., on Saturday, June 8, will feature Love, Sex & Marriage, a stage play presented by Atlanta-based playwright Tre Floyd of Elevating Voices LLC.
The story follows the life of Darrin, a closeted gay celebrity signed to a homophobic music label. As the story unfolds, Darrin has to decide if he wants to do what he loves as a mainstream performing artist or be with whom he loves, a man named Ken.
This stage play examines and demystifies the relationships between homosexual and heterosexual men in a funny and relatable way. It is a modern day coming out story of a man who has to decide his path in life and is afraid of rejection by his family, church, and friends.
“I had to do something that people could be proud of,” Floyd said of what it means to have written and produced this play. “This story was just too important to not be told. Love, Sex and Marriage isn’t just a play, its real life…Every time I see a kid who looks like me, or acts like me, I’m reminded of how important it is to do this show.”
Included in the cast of Love, Sex & Marriage is Miami native Brian Dwayne. Dwayne was born in Liberty City and raised in Carol City, graduating from Carol City Senior High School in 2003. Dwayne, who has been involved in the arts since he was 4 years old, says he is excited to return to Miami for this upcoming show.
“Miami is where I discovered my love for the arts. For me to perform in my hometown, means a lot because Miami is where my foundation was built,” he said.
Love, Sex, & Marriage is being presented by the Black Archives as preview to its upcoming 2019-20 season, which launches in October and will include a full schedule of diverse programming, including new original programs and commissioned theatrical performances.
The Black Archives and its programming are supported by grants from the Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Institute of Museum & Library Services, and the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network.
“We are looking forward to kicking off our 2019-20 season of unique and diverse programming this fall,” said Timothy A. Barber, Black Archives executive director. “We have seen great success over the last five years with our signature program, Lyric Live, and now we are in a position to create a full season of activity to further engage the community and tourists. This stage play is just one of the many new projects we have planned for the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex over the next year.”
Showtime for Love, Sex & Marriage is Saturday, June 8, 8 p.m., at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater, 819 NW Second Ave.
Tickets are $30, assigned floor seating; $40, assigned VIP balcony seating. Tickets available at www.LSMmiami.eventbrite.com.
Visit www.bahlt.org for more information.
