Adventures Behind the Scenes and on the Stage

On October 22, 2015, National Arts Centre Foundation supporters attended a pre-chat featuring English Theatre Artistic director Jillian Keiley in conversation with playwright and director Djanet Sears. They spoke about Djanet’s emotionally charged play, The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God, which the audience was preparing to attend.

Jillian was thrilled to welcome Djanet to the National Arts Centre, not only because of her admiration for her, but also because The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God is Jillian’s favourite play. The drama explores the themes of redemption, grief and racism through dance, music, and narrative with a large cast of 22 multi-talented actors. The chorus is a living set, creating a fluid and dynamic environment.

Djanet discussed her inspiration for the play, and the challenges and rewards of creating and utilizing such a large cast. The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God employs the most actors in Jillian’s tenure as Artistic Director of English Theatre, and the NAC performances are made possible in part thanks to individual donor and corporate support.

A co-production with Montreal’s Centaur Theatre Company in association with Black Theatre Workshop, The Adventures of A Black Girl in Search of God plays at the NAC until November 7, 2015.

A special thank you to our Open Rehearsal and Preview Sponsor, Rob Marland, Royal LePage Performance Realty who makes these sessions possible for NAC Foundation donors.