Davidson Community Players stage contemporary plays

DAVIDSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS

Dionte Darko and Luna Mackie in Davidson Community Players production of “Actually” April 25-May 3 at Armour Street Theatre in Davidson.

Davidson Community Players will pose questions of truth and ethics with a pair of contemporary stage productions.

The company will present “The Lifespan of a Fact,” and “Actually” at Armour Street Theatre (307 Armour St. in Davidson) over the next month. “The Lifespan of a Fact,” a comedy-drama based on the book by co-authors John D'Agata and Jim Fingal, runs through April 26. The play explores the boundaries between artistic truth and objective journalistic facts. 

“Actually,” a drama that navigates truth, perspective and sexual consent, runs April 25-May 3.
Tickets are on sale at davidsoncommunityplayers.org/main-stage or by calling the box office at (704) 892-7953 during business hours. Tickets for each program are $15-$27 plus state tax and fees.

“Theater is where we gather to connect, share ideas, and grapple with our most pivotal civic questions,” executive director Steve Kaliski said. “At a time when much of our information arrives in quick bursts from questionable sources, plays like ‘The Lifespan of a Fact’ and ‘Actually’ encourage us to think critically and form our own conclusions. Both plays are smart and engaging, with just enough humor to keep us on our toes.”

“The Lifespan of a Fact” follows Jim Fingal (Jake McGraw), a fact checker on a mission to impress his editor, Emily Penrose (Bobbi Hawk), at a struggling New York magazine. Fingal, who has been assigned to verify an essay by writer John D’Agata (Vincent Raye), challenges the accuracy of D’Agata’s work, which leads to conflicts over truth and fact as the publishing deadline draws near. 

“Actually” examines truth through perspective and memory. The play set on a college campus challenges the consideration of how personal history, cultural expectations, and social dynamics influence the understanding of truth.

The story follows Amber (Luna Mackie) and Tom (Dionte Darko), two Princeton University freshmen whose lives and perspectives intersect after a night of drinking and desire. Although they agree on some facts, they differ on others – especially what happened next. The play directed by Amy Wada tackles questions of consent as well as portrayals of gender, race, memory, and personal experience. Due to adult content and discussions of sexual assault, the play is recommended for ages 17 and up.

“Both plays show that truth is complex, whether public or private,” Kalski said. “Together, they spark a broader conversation about listening, response, and moving forward. And for the most adventurous theatergoers, we’re offering a one-weekend overlap so you can see both shows on the same day.”

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