The ARTx3 Campus presents a modern telling of “Prometheus Bound” on March 13-15 in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff.
The production is sponsored by Relyance Bank.
This innovative production reimagines the story of Prometheus—imprisoned for giving humanity the spark of life—as a reflection of the social injustices faced by Black men in America. With themes of courage, resilience, and inequitable justice, this performance aims to create a poignant tribute to the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the communities of Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
This production is presented in the readers theater format, with dramatic readings of the script with a stripped-down set, no props, and simple costumes.
“Readers theater is all about bringing stories to life using just voices and scripts — no need for elaborate costumes, props, or memorization,” said Bethany Gere, theater and public programs coordinator. “It’s a fun and engaging way to perform, focusing on expressive reading and storytelling. Perfect for all ages, it encourages creativity, boosts confidence, and makes literature come alive in a whole new way.”
J. Tyler of White Hall directs, with Portia S. Jones of Pine Bluff as assistant director.
The Ancient Greek drama was written in the fifth century B.C. by Aeschylus. This version is translated by Bryan Doerries.
The cast is K.C. Rowland (Prometheus) of Pine Bluff; Briar Thompson (Kratos) of Star City; Grace Swygert (IO) of Pine Bluff; Emily Jackson (Oceanus) of Redfield; Braden Royal (Hermes) of Pine Bluff; Anthony Royal (Hephaestus) of Pine Bluff; and M. Debra Hester and Raymond Wallace, both of Pine Bluff, in the chorus.
Shows are 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13; Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15. Tickets are $13 for ARTx3 members, $18 for nonmembers, and $10 for students when purchased in person with student identification. Tickets may be purchased at artx3.org/all-events/prometheus-bound, by calling 870-536-3375, or in person before the show. The promo code “BOUND” may be used online to purchase tickets for $7 plus $1.50 fee each.
The show is appropriate for ages 13 and older.
ARTx3 will offer two school performances Wednesday, March 12, in which students may watch the production and take part in a question-and-answer session with the cast and crew. Tickets to these performances are available first come, first serve, and are $7 per student. For more information, contact Kayla Earnest, theater and media assistant, at [email protected] or call 870-536-3375.
For more information about “Prometheus Bound,” contact Gere at [email protected] or call 870-536-3375.
Reception for Kevin Cole’s ‘Pushing Forward’ Exhibition March 14
The March 14 performance of “Prometheus Bound” coincides with an opening reception and artist talk for “Pushing Forward: Politics, Social Conflict, and the Racial Divide in the Art of Kevin Cole” at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The reception is from 5-7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to attend both events.
More information about the exhibition is available at artx3.org/exhibitions/kevin-cole-pushing-forward. A press release and images are available at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qiL39QU82kANbSpbCCUQX6ciPrB-IDva?usp=drive_link.
About The ARTx3 Campus
The ARTx3 Campus is the convergence of art, creativity, and community in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The campus features three facilities: the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), at 701 S. Main St., and The ARTSpace and ART WORKS on Main, at 623 and 627 S. Main St. All three facilities present visual and performing arts programming and STEAM education through exhibitions, performances, classes and local partnerships. Gallery admission is free. Founded in 1968, ASC is accredited with the American Alliance of Museums. For more information, visit artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.
