Selma Burke
(co-written with Maria Crooks) Full length 95 minutes no intermission
2f/2m
Winner – Betty Mitchell Award Outstanding New Play (along with 6 other nominations for the premiere production)
Winner – Calgary Theatre Critics' Award Outstanding New Play Script (along with 6 other nominations for the premiere production)
Winner – National Playwriting Competition 2023
Finalist – Sharon Pollock Playwriting Competition 2022
Premise
Based on true story Selma Burke the African American sculptress chronicles many of the extraordinary events of that century, lynching’s, the Harlem Renascence, the holocaust, the assignation of MLK, and depicts them her extraordinary sculptures. Recognizing that it’s aways easier to rip things down that build things up she champions other’s accomplishments through her art in a society that doesn’t always recognize her talents, a husband who (loves her but) often destroys her work, the government who steals her art and the FBI.
Innovative use of actors who metaphorize into Selma’s sculptures that challenge, support and bicker with her and each other.
Hook
How do you take up arms when all you have is a mallet, a chisel and a block of stone? Selma Burke fights to champion other’s accomplishments in a society that doesn’t always recognize her talents, a husband who (loves her but) often destroys her work, the government who steals her art and the FBI who threaten her.
Theme
“Destruction is the work of an afternoon, creation is the work of a lifetime” Kamahl
Media
“Easily one of the best plays I have read in recent years. An important and beautiful piece about the life and work of the artist, Selma Burke. A challenging but no doubt gratifying undertaking for both the playwright and any company willing to produce it.”
“Selma Burke is a theatrical revelatory story. The production doesn’t just bring words to life, it brings Selma’s work to life. It’s hard not to fall in love.
A dynamic show, telling the story of a creative artist that we should all recognize. I’m glad she’s finally getting her due.”
“A triumph for everyone involved.
The playwrights have crafted a tribute to the Black American sculptor that is as much an ode to art itself, as it is to this inspired and inspiring woman.
That is sensuous as it is sensitive and as funny as it is poignant.
What Crooks and Russell-King make abundantly clear is that Burke was as vibrant and amazing as her art and deserves a production that seethes with passion, drama and humour.
Stafford Arima ensured a world class production to launch it. This is theatre that is as entertaining and enlightening as it is inventive.”
“Imaginative, exuberant world premiere of a new drama.
Delightfully theatrical. An inspiring, imaginative exploration of an extraordinary woman.”
How To Get a Copy
Rights
For community and academic performance rights: The Playwrights Guild of Canada
For professional production rights: Catherine Knights, Catalyst TCM
Production and Development
Selma Burke was workshopped and had a public reading at Theatre Calgary in 2023.
Premiere production with Theatre Calgary in association with Alberta Theatre Projects in 2024.