NEWS

Prophesy to the Bones and Other Stories Black Folx Whisper is an original script commissioned by the Davidson Community Players (DCP) and written by local playwright Nichole M. Palmer. It will be presented at the Armour Street Theatre for one weekend only, May 26-29. The title of the play comes from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel (37:1-11). In Ms. Palmer’s words, “You need to get up and tell your story.”

Following the death of George Floyd, Matt Merrell, DCP Director, said that their board wanted to find a way to “promote social justice and also be a call to action.” Due to sensitive subject matter, the play is recommended for ages 13 and up. All seats are reserved and can be purchased at the DCP website.

Through extensive research and hours of interviews, Ms. Palmer, who is also a journalist, created a contemporary piece that is a conduit for the African-American community to tell the story of their history with the town and with each other. She hopes Prophesy will be a conversation starter so that people will hear “their history that they didn’t know.”

“Being able to hear another side,” she said, “will bring people together to talk later.”

The story revolves around a fictitious college professor in New York City who returns to Davidson to wrap up the estate of her deceased aunt. Through her aunt’s letters and mementoes, she learns about the challenges her aunt and other Black residents faced as they encountered racism in their everyday lives. The script is based on actual experiences of local residents, as told to the playwright. The community conversation will continue each night with a post-show talkback.

Nichole M. Palmer, a Gary, Indiana native, holds a B.S. in journalism from Northwestern University and a M.F.A. in dramatic writing from New York University. In addition, she is a teaching artist with DCP, is a member of several playwright groups, and is the Regional Ambassador for the Carolinas for the Dramatists Guild of America.