DONTRELL, WHO KISSED THE SEA
Mar 22 - April 13, 2025
WRITTEN by Nathan Alan Davis
DIRECTED by by George Davis
Eighteen-year-old Dontrell Jones the Third decides that it is his duty and destiny to venture into the Atlantic Ocean in search of an ancestor lost during the Middle Passage. But his family is not at all ready to abandon its prized son to the waters of a mysterious and haunting past.
Blending poetry, humor, wordplay, and ritual, Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea is a present-day hero’s quest exploring the lengths and depths we must go to redeem history’s wrongs.
Written by Rockford native Nathan Alan Davis, this special production will be directed by the playwright’s father, George Davis.
TICKETS
Free Public Access Tickets are available for reservation starting 1 week prior to show time.
Early Access Tickets are available ahead of time with a WSSR Membership.
““Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea breaks over us like wave upon wave of human love and hope, submerges us in honesty, buoys us by its bold vision and heartfelt voice... this beautiful new play is an absolute must.””
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
NATHAN ALAN DAVIS
Nathan Alan Davis is a playwright and screenwriter based in New York and Boston. His writing for the stage includes The Refuge Plays (Roundabout Theatre/NYTW), Nat Turner in Jerusalem (NYTW), The High Ground (Arena Stage), Eternal Life Part 1 (Wilma Theater), Origin Story (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), The Wind and the Breeze (Cygnet Theatre), and Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea (NNPN Rolling World Premiere). For his body of work, Nathan has received a Windham-Campbell Prize (2021), a Steinberg Playwright Award (2020), and a Whiting Award in Drama (2018). His TV/film work includes projects for Netflix, AMC, BET, and Paramount. He is the Director of the MFA Playwriting Program at Boston University.
SHOW TIMES
COMING SOON…
Running Time: 90 Minutes
PUBLIC ACCESS THEATER
WE BELIEVE EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THEATER…
Here’s how it works:
1. We make all of our tickets FREE
2. You help us do it by DONATING
This simple, yet powerful approach makes sure everyone can attend!
DONATE
Although tickets are free, it still costs $10,000 - $20,000 to put on one our shows.
Part of our budget goes to the actors, some of whom work for over 120 hours.
If you Become a Member or Add A Donation to your free tickets, you will support Public Access Theater and help us make sure everyone in our community can come to the show!
BECOME A MEMBER
When you become a WSSR Member, you are partnering with us to support Public Access Theater and make sure everyone can come to the show!
With a WSSR Membership, you can reserve more than 2 tickets at a time!
Plus, you get things like early access to tickets, guaranteed seats, WSSR merch, invites to special events, and more!
CONTENT INFO
DONTRELL, WHO KISSED THE SEA contains profanity.
For specific information about the content, please contact us.
COVID SAFETY
MASKS ARE ENCOURAGED BUT NOT REQUIRED
If you aren’t feeling well or are experiencing symptoms, please stay home.
Any questions? contact@wssr.org
RUNNING TIME
90 Minutes
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Profanity
Map + Directions
CONTENT ADVISORY
The West Side Show Room believes in freedom of expression and we present all works in their entirety. We encourage people of all ages to expose themselves to a wide range of art, and to engage in critical discussions about the content they encounter. For specific information about the language, content, and effects in a particular production, please contact us.