Detroit ’67 – Behind the Scenes

The Maryland Ensemble Theatre debuted Dominique Morriseau’s Detroit ’67 this month.

In its January press release, the MET announced its premiere of the February 11th play:

MET Company Member Ray Hatch directs MET’s first production of 2022. The Theatre’s 24th Mainstage season continues to bring thought-provoking and relevant dramas to Downtown Frederick. Running February 11 through March 6, audiences are sure to love this entertaining, educational play that illuminates a lesser-known period from our nation’s history.

In Detroit ’67, Motown is the soul of Detroit’s party scene, where a brother and sister have turned their basement into an after-hours joint. The two argue over their different ideas about what to do with their inheritance. A mysterious woman worms her way into their lives and brings the fate of the family business to the brink, as the city around them descends into chaos with the outbreak of the Detroit riot. The show features MET Company Member Rona Mensah as Chelle and welcomes a cast making their MET Mainstage debut: Evan Carrington as Lank, Charli Simone as Caroline, Anya Randall Nedel as Bunny, and Mark Wallace as Sylvester. An unflinching look at race relations during the turbulent Civil Rights Movement. For mature audiences only.“

The director, Ray Hatch, provides his personal insight into Detroit ’67. 

I feel I (we) have a duty to bring this story to life because it holds information that most of us never learned in school.  It didn’t affect the entire nation like the assassination of MLK did but it is a very significant point in history because it was just the year prior to his passing which means that this “event”; this 5-day riot in Detroit was akin to water that is just about to boil.

This is only the second of plays devoted to the struggle of POC produced by MET & really, the first. Three Little Birds was a story about finding oneself & getting out in the world to experience new things & different people. Sweat (another true story) was about union workers of all nationalities. Detroit ’67 is about white vs. black; plain & simple.  It’s sad that we’re still battling it today.

I hope people leave the theatre realizing that there is still a LOT of change that needs to happen in a good way.  Love & understanding, coupled w/a HUGE dose of “listening” would, at the very least, get us on the right path.

Stay tuned for exclusive cast interviews and more behind the scenes footage!

Detroit ’67 will be in theaters until March 6th on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm and 3pm matinees on Sundays. Audiences are required to provide proof of vaccination (or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of attendance) and mask for MET performances.

Purchase tickets here!