Damaris Webb: Bicoastal Performer, Teaching Artist, and Theater Maker

The Box Marked Black

Tales from a Halfrican-American growing up Mulatto. With sock puppets!

Four shows per week
February 8th – 24th, 2013!
Presented at Ethos/IFCC
5340 N Interstate Ave Portland, Oregon 97217

written and performed by Damaris Webb, 
directed by Debra Disbrow, dramaturgy by Ashley Hughes
 
 
What does it mean to be black?
Is it the shade of your skin? The kink of your hair? Is it learned 
What is its language, both in the body and on the tongue? 
 
The Box Marked Black is a tender solo performance piece, tracing the experience of growing up mulatto in the pre-Huxtable era. With only Jenny Willis from The Jeffersons as a guide, our multi-disciplinary storyteller creates narrative from the perspective of both sides of her interracial family, embodying multiple characters, childhood memories
(including a “Roots” sock puppet re-enactment) and fantasy.
 
 
TWELVE PERFORMANCES
Friday 2/8 at 7:30, Saturday 2/9 at 3:00 AND 7:30, Sunday 2/10 at 7:30
Friday 2/15 at 7:30, Saturday 2/16 at 3:00*  AND 7:30, Sunday 2/17 at 7:30
Friday 2/22 at 7:30, Saturday 2/23 at 3:00 AND 7:30, Sunday 2/24 at 7:30
 
Tickets are $15 general, $10 students/seniors and
are available at the door 30 minutes before curtain, or in advance at brownpapertickets.com
Moderated talkbacks are offered after each Saturday matinee,
performances are ADA accessible, * 2/16 matinee is sign interpreted
 run time is 55 minutes
 
 

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TheBoxMarkedBlackDance“Yes, I knew the issue of diversity was important, but not till Damaris Webb in The Box Marked Black did diversity, dance, sing, do a puppet show–and winningly speak from, and to, the heart.”

- Michael Wolk, Executive Director, All For One Theater Festival NYC

 

 

TheBoxMarkedBlackHorse“Damaris Webb is a truly integrated contemporary artist and The Box Marked Black is an important work in the evolving dialogue of race in this country.  Both the subject matter and the artistry appeal to and bring together a wildly diverse audience through laughter and humble admission of raw truths.  As a believer in the power of art to build bridges and heal communities, I highly recommend this work to people of all age  and color.”

 

- Mizu Desierto, Co-Founder and Artistic Director, The 1Festival/Water in The Dessert

 

 

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“The Box Marked Black is educational theatre at its best. That is to say, it is good theatre that has the added advantage of being educational.  With theatrical sensibility as a creator and versatility as a performer, Damaris Webb crafts moments that range from touching to zany. At once personal and historical, The Box Marked Black offers a unique perspective, teaching you things you might not learn elsewhere, while making you think with your heart as well as your mind.” 

- Cynthia Ward, Educational Director, Boulder International Fringe Festival

 

photo credits: Laurie Anne Lynch