THEY SPEAK: A NATIVE SON

A SHOWCASE OF THE PLAYS OF NATHAN ALAN DAVIS

COORDINATED/DIRECTED BY: Dorothy Paige-Turner

SUN Aug 30 at 4:30

Running Time: 80 minutes

Celebrate the work of Nathan Alan Davis, the acclaimed playwright and proud Rockford native whose plays are being produced on stages across the country.

Local actors perform selected scenes and monologues from Davis’ celebrated body of work, exploring stories that blend history, memory, identity, and imagination. His writing is known for its lyrical language, theatrical innovation, and deeply human exploration of Black life in America.

The West Side Show Room is honored to have produced two of Davis’ plays, The Wind and the Breeze (2022) and Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea(2025). This special showcase offers audiences an opportunity to revisit and rediscover the work of one of Rockford’s most accomplished contemporary artists, whose voice continues to shape the future of American theater.

CAST: George Davis, Anthony Laws, Richard Meeks, Jackie Rogers, Wendell Thompson, Carl Towns, Coleen Martin Williams, Janet Wright

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TICKETS

PUBLIC ACCESS TICKETS go on sale:

FRI Aug 21st, 2026

EARLY ACCESS TICKETS are available to Members now with a WSSR Membership: wssr.org/memberships

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MANAGE YOUR ORDER

CANCELLATIONS: Go to tickets.wssr.org/self-service/wssr or click on "Manage Tickets" at the bottom of your confirmation email.

CHANGE SHOW DATES: First cancel your order and then reserve tickets for the new date you want to attend.

If you need assistance, please contact us at: tickets@wssr.org

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PUBLIC ACCESS THEATER

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PERFORMING ARTS…

Here’s how it works:

1. We make all of our tickets FREE

2. You help us do it by DONATING

This simple, yet powerful approach makes sure everyone can attend!

If you Add A Donation to your tickets, you will help us cover our costs and support Public Access Theater by making sure everyone in our community can come to the show!

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

The West Side Show Room is located at 1414 N Main Street in Rockford, IL near Veteran’s Memorial Circle in the historic North End.

The WSSR Lobby opens 30 minutes before show time.

**NOTE: The parking lot can get very full on Friday and Saturday nights so plan to arrive early.

For more information on parking, accessibility, and things to do in the area, please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

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CONTENT INFO

They Speak is appropriate for all ages. Recommended for 13+

For specific information about the content: tickets@wssr.org

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CHILDREN

CHILDREN

Children age 5+ are welcome at the WSSR as long as they can sit quietly and watch the show. If your child becomes a distraction, you may be asked to step into the lobby.

Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted

For more info please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

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ACCESSIBILITY

WSSR has an open single-level layout with no ramps or stairs. Our theater seats are moveable and can easily accommodate wheelchairs. When reserving tickets, let us know your needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.

For more info please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

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HEALTH SAFETY

If you aren’t feeling well or are experiencing symptoms of illness, please stay home.