by Actors Theatre of Louisville on July 22, 2024
REDLINE PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS WHO KILLED ALBERTA JONES?, A WORLD PREMIERE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE AND THE PARKS ALLIANCE OF LOUISVILLE – JULY 13, 2024
Louisville, KY – July 2, 2024 – Redline Performing Arts, in partnership with Actors Theatre of Louisville and the Parks Alliance of Louisville, is thrilled to present the world premiere of Who Killed Alberta Jones? by Larry Muhammad. This powerful new play unravels the captivating story of Alberta Odell Jones, a trailblazing attorney whose life and unsolved murder remain a poignant chapter in Louisville's history.
Many Louisvillians may recognize her name: The first phase of Alberta O. Jones Park was completed and opened in the city's California neighborhood just last year–the first public park in Kentucky named for a Black woman. Additionally, locals may see Alberta’s face when passing her Hometown Hero banner on the side of downtown’s River City Bank building. However, many are not aware of the substantial impact Jones made before her untimely death.
Alberta Jones, the first Black woman to pass the Kentucky bar exam and the first woman appointed city attorney in Jefferson County, was a passionate advocate for civil rights and an influential figure in the fight for voting equality. Among her many groundbreaking achievements, Jones negotiated Muhammad Ali’s first boxing contract and established the Independent Voters Association of Louisville. Tragically, her life was cut short at just 34 years old, and her murder remains a mystery that has had a profound and lasting impact on Louisville.
On July 13 at 6pm, Redline Performing Arts and Actors Theatre will host a free performance at Alberta O. Jones Park’s outdoor performance pavilion located at 744 S. 23rd Street. The world premiere of the play is the capstone of Alberta O. Jones Park Day, a family friendly festival in the park. Flora Shanklin, Alberta Jones’ sister, as well as the playwright Larry Muhammad, the play’s director LaShondra Hood, and the actor playing the titular role, Brandi LaShay, will be available to provide exclusive content and interviews ahead of the show’s official run at Actors Theatre August 8-10.
Tickets for this production will go on sale to the public July 13, beginning at just $25 plus fees. Exclusive discounts are available for Members, and Memberships start at zero dollars, making this experience accessible to all. For ticket purchases and more information, visit actorstheatre.org.
Photos 1-3: A read-through at the Parks Alliance with the cast and creative team for Who Killed Alberta Jones? alongside the family members (Flora Shanklin, Alberta's sister, as well as her niece and nephew).
About Red Line Performing Arts:
Redline Performing Arts is committed to creating a safe space where the arts are accessible and affordable to all. We remain intent on fostering community through arts justice by incorporating the four pillars of our organization: live productions, Redline Education Department, Redline Players Conservatory and Performance Troupe and our community action program, Produce and More. Redline produces a thriving culture for underserved, often marginalized communities, putting people over profit and elevating action onstage and in our community.
About The Parks Alliance of Louisville:
Our mission is to drive equitable investment in our city’s public parks to improve the health and wellbeing of the entire community. The Alliance supports more than 100 parks and community centers—two-thirds located in underserved neighborhoods. The Alliance is leading the “Parks For All” equity initiative, a comprehensive roadmap to improve Louisville parks using data and community input to ensure neighborhoods with the greatest needs are prioritized for the earliest investment.
About Actors Theatre of Louisville:
Actors Theatre of Louisville unlocks human potential, builds community and enriches quality of life by engaging people in theatre that reflects the wonder and complexity of our time. We are an arts and culture organization as a social enterprise, dedicated to serving our community and creating a more just and inclusive society. Our work strategically centers experiences that reflect a civic commitment to the social good and to the health and wellness of the many constituents we serve. In pursuing a synthesis of art and service, our interdisciplinary laboratory intersects art, emergent technology, and social transformation for a storytelling (r)evolution. We strive to cultivate a welcoming space of belonging for all.
Contact:
Caroline Lallo
PR Strategist
caroline@neattheagency.com