AFD Theatre production features all-POC cast for first time in its 100-year history

For the first time in its history (103 years!), Arlington Friends of the Drama (AFD) is mounting a production that features dozens of Black and Brown performers, and celebrates the vitality and energy of the Caribbean community.

Once on This Island -- with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty -- is directed by Michelle M. Aguillon. The one-act musical is based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, and features themes around colonialism, class, and culture. Wrapped up in a delightful, infectious musical.

Aguillon notes, "Once on This Island is rarely produced in community theatre with a full cast of Brown and Black people. In community theatre, especially locally, it has been cast with mostly white actors -- which is wrong. Our hope is to not only show that it can and should be done this way, but also that Brown and Black actors are in our community. They’re here. They want more opportunities, more theatre experiences."

It is a coming-of-age story about a young peasant girl in the French Antilles who falls in love with a rich boy and makes a deal with the gods to save his life.

The production runs three weekends in March. All Friday performances will be “Caribe Community Celebrations" featuring half-price tickets for members of the Caribbean community.

"The camaraderie amongst the cast is powerful and moving," says Aguillon. "They have a love for this show which they eventually show for each other. They joke, have fun, tease, and laugh a lot. It’s infectious. I’ve asked them to inject all that into the work, into the show itself."

Artwork by local artist, Elizabeth Thomas, will be displayed in the AFD Lobby Gallery for the performance run of the show. There will be an artist reception in the theater lobby on Saturday, March 7, 1-4pm. Ms. Thomas’ vibrant artwork reflects her homeland, the Commonwealth of Dominica.

"My hope is that audiences come away with having spent a joyful moment through the music and the excitement of the cast, especially during these very dark and daunting times," notes Aguillon. "And that it’s possible that we can somehow get through these hard times through art and storytelling, mirroring our humanity and joy and putting it back into the world and to each other."

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AFD Theater is accessible to the disabled. There is a lift from street level to audience seating, and an appropriate restroom is located conveniently as well. One wheelchair space and some front-row seats have been blocked from online purchase.

Arlington Friends of the Drama is a community-based performing arts organization whose mission is to enrich Arlington, Massachusetts and the surrounding towns by creating and presenting an annual season of the highest possible quality theatrical productions, including classics, musicals, dramas, comedies, and special events.

At AFD, all interested in creating theatre--actors, singers, musicians, stage carpenters, designers, production staff, students interested in learning more, and newcomers who are looking to experience their first show--are welcomed, supported, and mentored in our vibrant, inclusive community.

Founded in 1923, AFD Theatre is one of the oldest community theaters in the country. Our season runs from fall to spring. AFD Theatre is located at 22 Academy Street in the heart of Arlington Center, MA. Experience the joy of seeing and creating live theatre at AFD!