The Kernel of Truth

Banner text on the left reads: "The Kernel of Truth A Story of Redemption From Behind Bars. On the right, light enters a room through a small high barred window and casts onto the floor. The rest of the image is dark.

Saturday, June 15

7pm

Capitol Theater

$33.50 - $40

Runtime

2 hours

Age Recommendation

15 and up

Main floor seating is only available through BMCDC and only in groups of 10 or 20.

 

To reserve main floor seats, please call 608.640.7990.

Presented by Black Men Coalition of Dane County

"The Kernel of Truth" stage production immerses audiences into the world of a cohort of male inmates navigating life behind bars due to their past transgressions. Despite their hardened facade, these individuals harbor profound emotions and yearnings for redemption beneath the surface. As the story unfolds, each character embarks on a soul-stirring journey of introspection, grappling with their truths and confronting the complexities of the criminal justice system. Through monologues that resonate with raw authenticity, these incarcerated men unearth the liberating power of self-expression, igniting a path toward personal evolution, reconciliation and redemption.

Against the backdrop of the county jail environment, "The Kernel of Truth" delves into its characters' innermost thoughts and struggles as they navigate the realms of remorse, resilience and hope. Through their compelling monologues, the inmates delve into their past choices, confront the repercussions of their actions and confront societal perceptions of justice and forgiveness. As the narrative unfolds, the transformative nature of self-reflection and candid self-examination becomes a beacon of light amidst the darkness of confinement, offering a glimmer of redemption and a chance for personal growth and renewal.

Through the power of storytelling and the cathartic expression of personal narratives, "The Kernel of Truth" weaves a tapestry of human experiences that transcends the confines of prison walls. As the characters grapple with their pasts and navigate the complexities of their present circumstances, they discover the profound impact of owning their truths and embracing vulnerability. Ultimately, this journey of self-discovery and revelation paves the way for the possibility of redemption, underscoring the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for forgiveness, transformation and a renewed sense of purpose.

This is a facility rental event presented by an independent organization separate from Overture Center for the Arts.

Meet the Artists

Headshot of a young man with medium complexion, very short dark hair, greyish blue eyes. He is wearing a white shirt with green jacket, a silver chain around his neck, and has tattoos on his neck.

Jeremy Meeks

Jeremy Meeks is an American fashion model and actor. A former member of a street gang, Meeks was arrested in 2014 during a gang sweep called Operation Ceasefire in Stockton, California, after which police posted his mugshot on Facebook, which went viral due to his appearance. Meeks' mugshot was noticed by modeling agencies and, upon his release in March 2016, he began a modeling career.

Headshot of a middle aged caucasian man with styled greyish black hair, a light grey beard and dark eyes. He is wearing a black suit and tie.

James Hyde

James Hyde is an American actor, dancer, and former fashion model known for his work on television soap opera Passions and Mexican drama Monarca. He was born and raised in Lancaster, Ohio. Hyde had roles in the films The Blackout and Let's Talk About SexThe Blackout has not yet been released in the US.

He won an open casting call competition for Sunset Beach in 1996 and appeared in the promos for the show. He was cast for the recurring role of "Neil" on the television series Another World in 1997. He also had a short stint as "Liam" on the television series As the World Turns in 1999. Additionally, Hyde appeared in Dead or Alive's music videos for Turn Around & Count 2 TenCome Home with Me Baby and Your Sweetness is Your Weakness.

Headshot of a young woman with medium complexion, long dark hair and brown eyes in a plum colored top with collars.

Nicole Marie Johnson

Nicole Marie Johnson is a bi-coastal actor, writer, and producer. Graduating from the University of Massachusetts with a B.S. in Psychology and a Minor in Theater, she embarked on her entertainment journey upon relocating to Los Angeles in 2008.


Nicole's recent credits include notable appearances in The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon Original), Dynasty (CW), and the feature film Little (Universal). Currently, audiences can catch her in multiple Lifetime films, including her leading performance as twin sisters in Lies My Sister Told Me. Notably, Nicole clinched the Best Actress award at both the First Glance Film Festival and The Indie Horror Film Fest for her role in Quarries, a feature film in which she also co-wrote and co-produced.Continuing to expand her repertoire, Nicole is set to feature in upcoming projects such as Open Wounds, a Ron Krauss film; Dream Big, directed by Obi Ndefo; and Calculated Obsession, produced by Everbright Pictures, among others.

Headshot of young african american man with short dark hair brown eyes and white top. He is tilting his head to his left.

Jamal "Gravy" Woolard

Jamal "Gravy" Woolard is an American actor and rapper. He portrayed the rapper The Notorious B.I.G. in the film Notorious and reprised the role as a supporting character in the Tupac Shakur biopic All Eyez on Me. Some of Jamal’s other work can be seen on BET Television and Tubi.

Headshot of young smiling african american man with short dark hair, brown eyes, and a moustache. in a dark top.

Brian J. White

Brian J. White is an American actor. He is best known for his roles in films such as Stomp the Yard, The Family Stone, The Game Plan, 12 Rounds, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, Good Deeds, and The Cabin in the Woods. On television, White had prominent roles in Men of a Certain Age, Beauty and the Beast, and Ambitions.

Headshot of a young caucasian man with a light beard, medium styled brown hair and dark eyes.

Ryan Francis

Ryan has spent 40 years in entertainment. He has worked with Academy Award Winners Steven Spielberg, Robin Williams, Gwyneth Paltrow, Maggie Smith and Dustin Hoffman in Hook, and Emmy Award Winners Sela Ward and George Clooney on NBC's Sisters, which he was a series regular for its entire six-year run. He has also appeared in 100 national commercials, having the lead role in selling products like Subaru, Coors Lite and Twix. Ryan's voice can be heard on the radio and television for McDonalds, Chevrolet, Taco Bell, CiCi's Pizza as well as promo spots for the CW network and CBS.

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