Revolution is not for the faint of heart; neither is parenthood. In The Black Rep’s production of the play “Sunset Baby,” the character Kenyatta finds connecting with his grown daughter is perhaps more difficult a challenge than enduring years as a political prisoner.
The Black Rep's founder and producing director Ron Himes plays Kenyatta. Up-and-coming actor Erin Renée Roberts plays his daughter, Nina, in the play that runs through Jan. 31.
In the latest installment of our Cut & Paste podcast, we talk with the pair about the play and its central questions, which include: What’s the best way to stage a revolution?
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in the podcast:
- Roberts, on her character being named after the legendary singer Nina Simone: “It connects me to what love is, what my mom [in the play] felt love was. It almost serves as something that could potentially link the father and daughter.” Tweet #cutpastestl
- Roberts, on a generation gap among activists: “There are generations of people trying to understand why the young people are doing such violent things, when it’s not about the violence. It’s … about demonstrating the pain.” Tweet #cutpastestl
- Himes, on contemporary culture: “Individuals today are much more selfish and self-centered and operate in a sort of me-getting-mine [way].” Tweet #cutpastestl
Look for new Cut & Paste (#cutpastestl) podcasts every few weeks on our website. You can also view all previous podcasts, which focus on a diverse collection of visual and performing artists, and subscribe to Cut & Paste through this link.
Follow Willis and Nancy on Twitter: @WillisRArnold and @NancyFowlerSTL
Please help St. Louis Public Radio find artists to feature on Cut & Paste. Tell us which artists and cultural themes deserve a closer look.
