The Kernel of Truth
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
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.
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 Sex. The 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 Ten, Come Home with Me Baby and Your Sweetness is Your Weakness.
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.
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.
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.
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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