Also on the 2007-08 season slate will be Tanya Barfield's Blue Door, George C. Wolfe's Spunk and Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel, plus the annual new works fest known as Fresh Flavas.
The Soul Collector, the third production of the season, directed by Jennifer L. Nelson and running Feb. 2-24, 2008, is set in Cleveland in 1972.
In it, according to the troupe, "a young man and his uncle make their living collecting garbage, fantasizing of reselling found items as antiques to fund their respective dreams. One day they bring home a strange box covered with carvings, thinking it is a valuable antique. Suddenly, their dreams change as they discover what the box contains."
The Soul Collector was workshopped in African Continuum Theatre's Fresh Flavas new play development series, which "provides an artistic and professional home for voices of color, increasing the number of playwrights of color in American theatre."
Toney will also serve as the August Wilson playwright-in-residence for the season, mentoring new playwrights in the next Fresh Flavas showcase. Toney is known for his work in theatre, film and television. He was part of the writing team for "House Party 3" and "In Living Color." On stage, he has been seen throughout Washington, including African Continuum Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre and Arena Stage. Toney received the Helen Hayes Award for Supporting Actor for his performance in the African Continuum's Two Trains Running.
He was nominated for the Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play for his play, Kingdom, produced by the African Continuum in 2005.
This will mark the first time Blue Door (kicking off the season Oct. 6) and Intimate Apparel (starting April 4, 2008) will be performed in Washington. Spunk, a popular D.C. title, returns for the holidays, Nov. 17-Dec. 23.
"Planning a season is always exciting," stated outgoing producing artistic director Jennifer L. Nelson. "This season is especially thrilling because the beautiful new Sprenger Theatre at the Atlas allows us to be more adventurous. Our legacy of introducing plays to the Washington community will be well served on H Street."
For more information about the African Continuum Theatre Company, visit www.africancontinuumtheatre.com.
