For Immediate Release: February 23, 2006
Media Contact: Amy Masterman, Allens Lane Art Center, 215.248.0546

Although it debuted at the Negro Ensemble Company in 1985, Eyes of the American may be even more relevant over twenty years later as many Americans question the motives of U.S. "intervention" in Third World countries. Playwright Samm-Art Williams examines the entwined issues of power, loyalty, duty and honor through a moving and dynamic tale of a CIA agent positing as a tourist in the Caribbean. The agent enlists the aid of a taxi driver who is secretly leading a revolution against the island nation's cruel dictator - the cabbie's childhood friend. Directed by Robert Anu, the Allens Lane Theater production of William's Eyes of the American opens March 3.

Williams challenges the audience, as citizens of a democratic nation-state, to choose a side, make a stand and not view themselves as apart from their fellow human beings. Director Robert Anu believes that inherent in Williams' challenge is a plea to Americans of all political persuasions to widen (or open) their eyes, to expand their range of vision to see, for example, not only the nearly 2,500 U.S. armed forces dead in Iraq, but also the more than 200,000 Iraqi dead (who are overwhelmingly civilians).

Anu quotes British playwright Harold Pinter, 2005 Nobel Laureate for Literature, in saying, "How many people do you have to kill before you qualify to be described as a mass murderer and a war criminal?" Then continues with more of his own questions. "Does your answer depend upon whether the killer or the victim is red, yellow, white, black or brown? Jewish, Buddhist, Christian or Muslim? Capitalist, communist or socialist? Heterosexual or homosexual? Rich or poor? These are important questions for thinking people to ask and answer," said Anu. "Along the way, we may find ourselves questioning a lot of what passes for common knowledge or accepted wisdom. And I hope that we are courageous and truthful enough to struggle honestly with these issues. If not for ourselves, then for the generations that may follow."

Born in Philadelphia, Samm-Art Williams is credited as a playwright, screenwriter, actor and producer. While possibly most recognized for his role in Blood Simple, he has won numerous awards as a writer. Home, which chronicles the struggles and triumphs of a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, received a Tony nomination as Best Broadway Play and won the Outer Circle Critic Award, Drama Desk nomination and the NAACP Image Award. He has also written episodes of Cagney and Lacey, The New Mike Hammer and Miami Vice.

Eyes features three actors playing multiple roles. Gary Giles (Benny, Cheddy) returns to Allens Lane for the first time since the sold-out extended run of Home, directed by Anu in 1990. Kareem Dialo Carpenter (James) has appeared at New Freedom Theatre in its Barrymore award-winning annual productions of Black Nativity. Jane Scott (Roberta, Velda) last appeared at Allens Lane in The Colored Museum, which continued its successful run for an additional three months at South Philadelphia's historic Bainbridge Club.

Eyes of the American runs at Allens Lane Theater March 3 - 18. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 6pm. There will be an opening reception following the performance on March 3. Tickets are $15 for general admission ($13 for students and seniors on Sundays only). Reservations are encouraged.

Audience members are invited to bring food and beverages to enjoy before the show. Allens Lane Theater is located at Allens Lane and McCallum Street in the West Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. Free off-street parking is available. For more information or to make reservations, go to www.allenslane.org or call 215-248-0546.

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