NACL Theatre announces: “Waterboy and the Mighty World"

HIGHLAND LAKE, NY – North American Cultural Laboratory (NACL Theatre) announces “Waterboy and the Mighty World,” by Justin Hicks and The Hawtplates, the final Theatre Thursday and Salon Supper of its 2019 SUMMERSALT Season.

Part live concert, part concept album, “Waterboy and the Mighty World” examines the relationship between people of color and law enforcement in America. Who is being policed? Who is being protected? Who and what kind of people are enforcing the laws of the land?  

Bass Reeves was the first African American deputy U.S. Marshall. His epic life story reads like a series of tall tales, complete with fascinating variations and speculative contributions throughout the years. He used cunning and wit to capture over 3,000 bandits. Fatally wounding just 14 of the thousands of suspects he brought in, Bass became an example of restraint and discernment in early American law enforcement. 

Through a reinterpretation of traditional songs made famous by the legendary Odetta Holmes and original compositions, this piece reflects on the life of Bass Reeves and connects it to the issues of our current era. Hicks and Co. re-imagine and re-mix the songs into mantras, dirges, and contemporary modes, touching on a wide array of vocal traditions including Korean pansori, gospel, and experimental R&B — all the while inspired by the brilliance of Odetta's delivery. Taking cues from concept albums like Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of The Moon,” Archie Shepp's “Attica Blues,” and Janelle Monae’s “Archandroid,” “Waterboy and the Mighty World” will be presented as a live recording session and discussion. Each performance will be recorded and compiled with the intent to document each “take” as a variation in the telling of a tall tale.

Come see the show, and stay for Supper! Post-show meal and conversation catered by Cafe Adella Dori, sponsored by Willow Wisp Organic Farm and Beach Lake Bread.

NACL is a professional, non-profit theatre arts company that has developed 20 original ensemble theatre productions and countless public spectacles since 1997. NACL operates a theatre space and retreat center in Highland Lake, NY, located two hours from New York City in the southwestern Catskill region.  The company creates and tours devised theatre performances; collaborates with an international circle of artists, and presents a performance season featuring work by local and visiting artists. Committed to supporting theatre training at all stages in an artist’s development, NACL offer artist residencies, professional development retreats, master classes, workshops, and early education drama classes. 

NACL THEATRE
110 Highland Lake Rd
Highland Lake NY 12743