M Ensemble Makes Its Home in Wynwood with Classic Play

Last night, the M Ensemble Company opened the Tony Award-nominated story of Home at the Light Box in Goldman Warehouse in Wynwood’s. They chose the play to end their 2010-2011 season, which also happens to be the celebration of their 40th anniversary.

Written by Samm-Art Williams, Home tells the story of Cephus Miles, a farm boy from Crossroads, North Carolina, and his rocky life journey. Taking place in the late 1950s and 60s, Miles refuses to be drafted to fight in the Vietnamese War in honor of the commandment “Thou shalt not kill.” As punishment, he is sentenced to five years in prison. When he is released, he finds his world turned upside down until an unexpected reunion with an ex-love signals hope for redemption.

Associate Professor  of Theater at Florida A&M University Luther Wells is

directing the production for the third time. Both of his previous

productions took place at FAMU. A Miami-native, Wells, who also serves as chair of the Department of Visual Arts,

Humanities and Theater at FAMU, left the city 21 years ago to pursue a graduate degree and this is his first

time back.

“I think it’s poetic that I’m returning home after all that

time to direct the show Home,” he says. Wells will be returning to

Tallahassee once the show opens to teach summer classes and prepare for

the upcoming school year.

“We certainly want for the audience to

enjoy the show but also walk away with an understanding of the

importance of standing on principle and not forgetting the things our

parents and Four Fathers teach us,” says Wells.

Despite the fact the

show was written decades ago, he’s hoping that the strong sense of

family values will resonate with viewers and inspire them to remember

the teachings of our ancestors.

This staging of Home

is unique as it is being performed in three quarter thrust, as opposed

to a standard, proscenium space. The audience will be able to enjoy the

show from a different perspective and Wells has a fresh opportunity to

play with the movement.

M Ensemble is staging Home at the Light Box at Goldman’s Warehouse (404 NW 26th St., Miami)  through June 26 with a matinees on Sundays. Tickets cost $20 or $40 for the opening night reception. For more information visit www.themensemble.com.

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