DONTRELL, WHO KISSED THE SEA

Mar 21 - April 6, 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.

Q&A Talkbacks

There will be a 20 minute post-show Q&A with the cast after the following show dates:

Friday, March 21
Sunday, March 30
Saturday, April 5

There will be a special Q&A with playwright Nathan Alan Davis on:

Saturday, March 29

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.

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

FRI Mar 21 | 8pm | Q&A
SAT Mar 22 | 8pm
SUN Mar 23 | 4pm

FRI Mar 28 | 8pm
SAT Mar 29 | 8pm
SUN Mar 30 | 4pm | Q&A

FRI Apr 4 | 8pm
SAT Apr 5 | 8pm | Q&A
SUN Apr 6 | 4pm

Running Time: 90 Minutes

A RICH EXPERIENCES PARTNERSHIP

Dontrell, Who Kissed The Sea is WSSR’s third collaboration with Eight Fifteen Capital.

Eight Fifteen Capital understands that people find value in rich experiences and high quality relationships. We bring these things to people through:

• Quality housing close to amenities, in solid neighborhoods


• Strategic partnerships with brands/companies around high quality products


• Events and entertainment that bring people together to make connections and enjoy rich experiences

We are looking forward to continuing this partnership by creating rich theatrical experiences for the people of Rockford.

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.

CHILDREN

CHILDREN

Children age 5+ are welcome at the WSSR as long as they can sit quietly and watch the show. If your child becomes a distraction, you may be asked to step into the lobby. 

Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted

For more info please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

ACCESSIBILITY

WSSR has an open single-level layout with no ramps or stairs. Our theater seats are moveable and can easily accommodate wheelchairs. When reserving tickets, let us know your needs and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

For more info please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

HEALTH SAFETY

If you aren’t feeling well or are experiencing symptoms of illness, please stay home.