The Ensemble Theatre will join the national staged reading of Home by Samm-Art Williams. Over 30 African American theatre companies and diverse institutions will take part in this experience featuring prominent and local actors. Since its inception, the Projec1Voice National Stage readings have garnered participation beyond U.S. boarders. Theaters abroad have joined in this annual event and helped create an international community of artists and arts organizations.

Houston native and Broadway actor Brandon Dirden will return to The Ensemble Theatre to participate in the reading. Brandon and his brother Jason, who is also a Broadway performer, were recognized together as The Ensemble Theatre’s 2009 Black Tie Gala Rising Star Honorees. Brandon will be joined by his wife, Broadway actress Crystal Dickinson, and actress Samantha West.

Home deals with the coming-of-age of a young black man from rural South Carolina. The action begins on the small farm that Cephus Miles, an orphan, has inherited from his family. Young and strong, he is content to work the land—until his childhood sweetheart rejects him and goes off to college. Not believing in the Vietnam War, Cephus is imprisoned as a draft evader for refusing to serve.

By the time he is released, Cephus has lost his land to the tax collector so he heads north to build a new life. With a good job and a slinky new girlfriend, he finds the big city exciting and rewarding. But soon after, the dream begins to fade—Cephus loses his job and becomes involved in drugs and prostitution. Pulling himself together, he returns to South Carolina and settles back on the land with his old sweetheart.

Despite all, he has never lost his joyous goodwill, his indomitable spirit and the conviction that one day his quest for fulfillment will be rewarded.