Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967 by Xavier Nicholas, Megan Buckley-Ball, and David Wolber

"Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967 offers a unique, authentic perspective by relying on the first-hand reports of people who watched it unfold. Dream Deferred is riveting, honest, and respectful of the material. Dream Deferred is both instructional and mesmerizing.

It’s a must-see show for anyone who cares about Detroit and its history. Although the subject matter is not appropriate for young children, mature teens and sentient adults cannot help but benefit from experiencing this production and the integrity with which it presents a dark chapter in our past. The perspectives are diverse, but the lesson is clear. When we treat groups of people as “others” – when we encourage anger, hate and resentment – we fuel social combustion. When we listen to each other’s stories, as we do in this compelling Matrix Theatre production, we are reminded of how much we have in common. That’s something we can all take to heart." - Patty Nolan, EncoreMichigan.com review of "Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967"

"Buckley-Ball, Nicholas, director David Wolber and script consultant Harvey Reed culled the 36 interviews in the play from an initial set of 42 interviews that Nicholas submitted to Matrix. Five actors will make multiple costume changes to portray the 36 interviewees, who include residents, first responders, reporters, community and business leaders. Nicholas says he can’t even estimate how much more footage he has on top of that." - The Detroit News

"Matrix Theatre is presenting 'Dream Deferred: Detroit 1967', a dramatic retelling of the riots based on authentic interviews recorded over a five year period immediately following the riots by Dr. Xavier Nicholas. Dr. Nicholas is credited as one of the creators of the show, along with Megan Buckley-Ball and David Wolber, who serves up yet another sterling directorial achievement.

'Dream Deferred' is insightful and compelling theatre. Director Wolber moves and animates his actors nicely while creating the occasional chorus to remind the audience that what took place that summer affected not only those individuals whose stories were given individual attention in the play, but the peoples of an entire city, an entire region, and the entire country.

'Dream Deferred: Detroit 1967' deserves to be seen. It’s an important historical document, an entertaining play that’s absolutely riveting from beginning to end, and a collection of personal stories that relate the human side of what has become lost to the bigger picture of the riots. You will not be disappointed." - Daniel Skora, It's All Theatre

DREAM DEFERRED: DETROIT, 1967
by Dr. Xavier Nicholas
devised by Megan Buckley-Ball and David Wolber

MATRIX THEATRE

DETROIT, MI
JUN. 2 - JUN. 25, 2017
(extended through July 9, 2017)
(extended again through July 15, 2017)

Ensemble:
Katie Fullerton
Joshua Brown
Jonathan Jones
Melissa Beckwith
Mike Sandusky

DIRECTOR - DAVID WOLBER

scenic design - Elspeth Williams
lighting design - Alex Gay
costume design - Lauren Montgomery
Artistic Director - Megan Buckley-Ball