The Fayette County Public Library invites the public to experience a theatrical café evening on Tuesday, October 1 starting at 7 p.m. As the culminating event in this year’s “Fayette on the Page: One Book, One Community” program, the evening brings to life some of the themes and topics of the book, “Outcasts United,” by Warren St. John, a nonfiction account of refugees, youth soccer, and community transformation in Clarkston, Ga.
Fayette County Public Library has partnered with Horizon Theatre Company in Atlanta to present scenes from “Third Country,” by Suehyla El-Attar, a new play inspired by events in Clarkston. While guests enjoy complimentary desserts, playwright El-Attar and cast members from the Horizon Theatre world premiere production will talk about the story of “Third Country,” perform selected scenes from the play, and answer audience questions. Admission to the “Fayette on the Page 2013” finale is free. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Third Country” is the story of Nura, a refugee who clings to her soccer ball like a lifeline, and Sasha, a resettlement worker who is her guide to a strange new home in a small Southern town. But the welcome is mixed in this community reeling from a flood of newcomers — all refugees from around the world. A community meeting divides the town, and a soccer field becomes the battleground for its future. Will longtime residents and these eager new Americans learn to work together to find peace?
“Third Country,” directed by Horizon Co-Artistic Director Lisa Adler, runs September 20 through October 20 at Horizon Theatre in Atlanta’s Little Five Points. Tickets are $20-$30 with prices subject to change based on availability. Tickets and information are available at horizontheatre.com or 404-584-7450.
“Fayette on the Page: One Book, One Community,” launched in 2008, is an annual countywide reading and discussion initiative for adults. This year’s program kicked off in August with an international food fair featuring cuisines from around the world. Other free “Fayette on the Page” activities at the library this year have included a “What Unites Us” film series and a group book discussion of “Outcasts United.”
“The story of Clarkston and its refugees is a microcosm of a story that is developing nationwide,” said Sarah Trowbridge, public services librarian at the Fayette County Public Library. “Warren St. John told part of that story brilliantly in ‘Outcasts United,’ and now Suehyla El-Attar and the folks at Horizon Theatre are bringing further dimensions of the story to life with this new play, ‘Third Country.’ I hope everybody who read the book with us this summer — and those who haven’t read it yet — will come to the library on October 1 to chat with the playwright and see some of the scenes performed. It’s sure to be a thought-provoking enhancement to our reading of the book, and a really fun way to finish off the sixth annual Fayette on the Page program.”
All “Fayette on the Page” programming is open to the public and free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Fayette County Public Library. City Café and Bakery is graciously donating a portion of the free desserts to be served at the grand finale event.
The Fayette County Public Library is located behind the Fayette County administration complex in downtown Fayetteville, at the southwest corner of Highways 85 and 54. For more information, contact the library at 770-461-8841 or visit online at http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/public_library.
