Be Here Now: “Dark Meat on a Funny Mind” @ Spencertown Academy Arts Center, 4/17/10

“Dark Meat on a Funny Mind,” a new play based on the life of comedian Richard Pryor, debuts in a staged reading this Saturday, April 17 at Spencertown Academy Arts Center in Spencertown.

Written by noted author (and Spencertown resident) Wesley Brown and read by actors Kevin Craig West and Derrick Maul, “Dark Meat on a Funny Mind”

captures the life of Richard Pryor, moving back and forward in time from his traumatic childhood in Peoria, Illinois, to his experiences in the army, and pivotal moments in his life as a stand-up comedian. It reflects on a time when Pryor, confined to a wheelchair by multiple sclerosis, confronts his demons and self-destructive impulses by acknowledging them while transforming them into his renowned style of humor.

“Dark Meat on a Funny Mind” is the second production from Works In Progress, a series of three spoken word productions exploring new work by local writers. The series continues on Saturday, June 5 with “Essie and Roe,” a screenplay by Rose Ross and Elizabeth Wilen-Berg.

“Dark Meat on a Funny Mind” @ Spencertown Academy Arts Center
4pm on Saturday, April 17
Tickets: $12
Tickets will be available at the door, and there will be a reception with the author and actors following the performance.