Theater Spotlight of the Week: Ed Smith

by Shawn Parikh

New interview with Artistic Director of Jubilee Theatre and director of The Bluest Eye.

Dealing with racism, Jubilee Theatre has quite a heavy show opening this week. The Bluest Eye is based on Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's novel about the tragic life of a young black girl in 1940’s Ohio. With Ed Smith directing, it was a great week to feature him since he is also the Artistic Director for Jubilee.

We begin the interview by discussing his career and how he came to Jubilee Theatre. He talks about what attracted him to the theater company and what he hoped to accomplish and learn.

I ask how The Bluest Eye was chosen for the season and he elaborates on the stage adaptation by Lydia R. Diamond. I also ask if there were any obstacles in transforming this great novel to the stage.

The show is set in the 1940s, so I ask how he feels the audience will relate. He answers on what he wants the audience to walk away talking about.

Since the show has already previewed, I ask how the audience response has been. He ends by elaborating on Jubilee's place in the theater community.

The Bluest Eye focuses on eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove who wants nothing more than to be loved by her family and schoolmates. Instead, she faces constant ridicule and abuse. She blames her dark skin and prays for blue eyes, sure that love will follow.

The show has one more preview for $10 on January 29 and then officially runs January 30 - February 22 for $14-20. Post-performance talkbacks with the artists and special guests will be held January 29 and February 8. Purchase tickets online or by calling 817-338-4411.