Dangle Theatre Presents “In the Continuum” at UWG Townsend Center

Jamie Cochran

“In the Continuum” explores the power and strength of two African-American women who have been affected by AIDS while facing prejudice and envisioning a life beyond stigma, materialism and resentment. This performance, hosted by the UWG theater program, will be held at the Townsend Center Dangle Theatre at the University of West Georgia on Feb. 22-25 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 26, at 2:30 p.m.

Abigail, performed by Daija Jones, is a Zimbabwean mother and wife pregnant with her second child. She contracts AIDS from her husband Stamford, who cheated on her. As a married television journalist in her late 20s, she aspires to live a conventional middle-class lifestyle. 

Nia is played by Nateria Bivens. Nia is a 19-year-old African American teenager who is pregnant and infected by her boyfriend Darnell. He is a basketball player who just won a full-ride scholarship. Nia wants to secure his attention and romantic interest by sculpting her life around his potential success. She hopes one day he will become an NBA basketball star. 

“Daijaand Nateria will be on a parallel personal journey as they encounter various forms of cultural biases and prejudice,” said Jonathan Kitt, Assistant Professor of Theatre. “Each woman will experience life-changing revelations and self-discoveries.” 

Abigail and Nia find the power within themselves and become aware of the prejudice, stigma and humiliation they will be subjected to when they find out they could possibly transmit AIDS to their unborn babies. The play will explore the phases of denial, anger and desperation. Both women will face the men they thought would bring them joy and happiness but have instead compromised and threatened their entire lives. These character’s voices bring a controversial and powerful story to the UWG theater. 

“In the Continuum” first debuted at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts as a graduate acting school project. It was written and performed by Danai Gurira and Nikkole Salter. Gurira played the role of Abigail, and her story is set in Zimbabwe where she grew up. Salter played the role of Nia, an unmarried teenager who has no hope of marrying the father of her unborn child. The play is centered around two women who experience a bizarre weekend living worlds apart. 

“They were in graduate school when it first developed in 2005 where a professor recommended they put the two shows together,” said Kitt. “Both Gurira and Salter developed a play that works politics and literature.”

If prospective attendees wish to see a teaser for the play there will be an opportunity.“

We have a community preview night right before opening on Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. before the play runs on the 22-26,” said Kitt.

Tickets are available at the Townsend Center Box Office. They are $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for UWG students with a student ID. UWG faculty and staff can receive two tickets for $10.