A Patch of Blue

Late Spring/Early Summer production

In 2005, Alexa Asjes (an American/Dutch actress, playwright, and producer) adapted Australian author Elizabeth Kata’s book “Be Ready with Bells and Drums” for the stage and it was produced at King’s Head Theatre, London, from April 9th – May 15th. Asjes’ stage play won an American Writer’s Guild Award.

In 1965, the same book was made into a film directed by Guy Green and starred Sidney Poiter, Elizabeth Hartman and Shelley Winters. Ms. Winters won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of the prostitute mother, Rose-Ann.

Both the film and the stage play are about the relationship between a black man, Gordon, and a blind white female teenager, Selina, and the problems that plague their relationship when they fall in love in a racially divided America. Set in the early 60’s against the backdrop of the growing civil rights movement, both the film and stage play explore racism from the perspective of “love is blind”. The film was also nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Elizabeth Hartman), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Black-and-White) (George Davis, Urie McCleary, Henry Grace, Charles S. Thompson), Best Cinematography (Black-and-White) and Best Music (Original Music Score).

Jillann Gabrielle (Paradise Playhouse’s Producer and Artistic Director) is slated to play Rose-Ann D’Arcy, the prostitute mother. Jim Leonard (Resident Stage Director and ensemble member) is slated to play the alcoholic grandfather, Old Pa.