A Heart Divided

Live Arts Theatre Presents "A Heart Divided" At Pickneyville Community Center!

For the first time in the history of both organizations, Live Arts Theatre and the Pickneyville Community Center have partnered to present a production of A Heart Divided by Cheri Bennett and Jeff Gottfried. Directed by Live Arts Theatre Artistic Director Becca Parker, the show is set to open on January 24 and will run through February 2 at Pickneyville Community Center in Norcross.

The Confederate flag. A historical icon or a racist symbol? This thought-provoking and gripping play sheds new light on a controversy that continues to divide our national heart. When Kate's liberal-minded family moves from New York City's suburbs to a small town outside of Nashville, Kate is convinced her life is over. Redford, Tennessee is as Southern as it gets - the local diner serves grits and sweet tea, country music rules the airwaves and the Confederate battle flag waves proudly over the courthouse square. Then she meets the handsome and talented Jackson Redford III, scion of the town and embodiment of everything Dixie. Jack shows Kate the beauty of his Southern roots and Kate begins to appreciate her new home. But a petition to replace the school's Confederate flag insignia gains Kate's support, and soon Jack and Kate - and their families - find themselves pitted against one another in a bitter controversy: not just about the flag, but what it means to be an American.

The production is a regional premier of this play for the area. The show features many local adult and young actors, including parents sharing the stage with their children. "I look forward to our Young Actors production each year," states director Becca Parker, "it provides an opportunity for our young actors to really work with a script and be a part of theatre, many for the first time." Due to mild, infrequent adult language and some intense scenes, A Heart Divided is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Anyone who has lived in the South will be able to relate to this show. So many different angles surrounding this important issue are explored. The young cast has also conducted research into the history of the flag and the events surrounding its use in Gwinnett County. "Audiences will appreciate the level of talent and the variety of a live theatrical production," says Parker. In addition, the group will host a talk-back after the Sunday show on January 26 to discuss issues that are raised in the play and how they relate to modern-day Gwinnett County. The show features local actors Mike Aniton, James Burke, Meredith Jones, Virginia Kirby, Pam Jordan, Lisa Jordan, Ean Barrett, John Morris, Lily O'Clery, Seth Lamb, Rachel Jordan, Jessica Moskowitz, Raysean Williams, Nylah Lee, and Hernan Leon. Becca Parker can be available for interviews upon request. Production shots will be available by request on January 24.

Live Arts Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit community theatre based in Buford, GA. The mission of the group is to produce a variety of plays and musicals that engage, educate, and entertain the community. The group is committed to creating quality theatre while also giving the community opportunities to grow and find enjoyment in the arts.

A Heart Divided will perform January 24, 25, 31 and February 1 at 8:00pm, with matinee performances on January 26 and February 2 at 2:30pm. All performances will take place at the Pickneyville Community Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross, GA. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. All tickets are for general admission seating, and may be purchased by calling the Box Office at (603) 867-2200, emailing boxoffice@liveartstheatre.org, or contacting the Pickneyville Community Center at (678) 277-0920.