The Union for Contemporary Art is proud to present Christopher Maly’s original play, The Blues of Knowing Why. Opening on July 11th, this gripping historical drama, directed by Denise Chapman and set in North Omaha, commemorates the 50th anniversary of a tragic moment, which has impacted our community for decades.
On June 24, 1969, 14-year-old Vivian Strong was killed by an Omaha Police officer. Her death divided our city and created a fracture that has never been resolved. In The Blues of Knowing Why, Maly conducted interviews with friends and family of Vivian Strong, members of the media, and members of social resistance organizations to provide a community’s account of Vivian’s short life and the timeless magnitude of her death.
This production of The Blues of Knowing Why has been made possible through our partnership with the Great Plains Theatre Conference.
CAST
David - Devel Crisp
Mary - Olivia Johnson
Rudy Smith - Eric Jordan
Ed Poindexter - Malik Kelly
Carol - Felicia Webster
Vivian - Nadia Williams
Ensemble #1 - Vernon Wheeler
Ensemble #2 - Matthew Pyle
Ensemble #3 - TammyRá
Ensemble #4 - Haley Haas
PRODUCTION CREW
Director - Denise Chapman
Production Manager - Brendan Greene-Walsh
Scenic Designer - Bill VanDeest
Lighting Designer - Carol Wisner
Costume Designer - Valerie St. Pierre Smith
Sound Designer - Mark Bruckner
Props Master - Savannah Savick
Stage Manager - Rachael Cramer
Assistant Stage Manager - Mana Hayasaka
Site Coordinator - Mark Krejci
Set Construction - Brad Howard, Lance Glenn
Scenic Artist - Craig Lee
