PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Theatre Company is partnering with the Community College of Philadelphia to host a free preview of its latest musical, which they say speaks to Black History Month — and Black health.
“Night Side Songs,” written by brothers Daniel and Patrick Lazour, navigates the physical and emotional trials faced by Black people and other communities of color through the story of one woman’s battle against cancer.
“It’s a lovely story following one woman’s journey from illness to wellness and the story of the caregivers and doctors,” said Joshua Campbell, director of education and public outreach programs for the Philadelphia Theatre Company.
“What I love about this musical is that we’re talking about cancer and we know historically cancer affects Black and brown bodies at a disproportionate rate.”
Campbell says the story dives headfirst into barriers facing the main character. Those barriers directly reflect the real life issues of so many people.
“When we’re thinking about cancer and cancer prevention, oftentimes in the Black community, we don’t have the money or even have access to go to the doctor,” he said, adding that there’s a fear factor that stems from medical inequalities. “We know medical racism is real.”
What Campbell ultimately hopes is for “Night Side Songs” to connect with all audiences. “We really made sure we interviewed doctors of all races and ethnicities, [and] gender orientations to be able to tell the story,” he said. “Even though the cast is multicultural, it’s a universal story.”
Night Side Songs comes to CCP on Feb. 12-13, then travels to the Parkway Central Library Branch on Feb. 15, before premiering at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre on Feb. 21.