"Thirty years of friendship with Samm-Art Williams showed me that his true gift wasn’t just in writing, but in seeing—he was a keen observer of human nature, capturing its complexities with both honesty and heart,” said Rhonda Bellamy, President & CEO of the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County. “Home was more than just the story of Cephus; it was a tribute to the Pender County that Samm-Art Williams loved, rich with the people, places, and spirit that shaped him.”
Show synopsis: Optimistic and strong, young Cephus Miles is content to work the land on the small North Carolina farm he inherited from his family. All seems right—until his childhood sweetheart rejects him and goes off to college. Opposed to the war in Vietnam, Cephus refuses to serve and is imprisoned as a draft evader. By the time he is released, Cephus has lost his land to the tax collector, so he heads north to build a new life. With a good job and a slinky new girlfriend, he finds the big city exciting and rewarding – until he stumbles and finds a new way forward.
Samm-Art Williams (1946-2024) was an American playwright, screenwriter, stage and film/TV actor and television producer. Much of his work concerned the African-American experience. He was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his play Home (1979), which moved from the Negro Ensemble Company to a Broadway production in 1980. His other plays include Eyes of the American and Woman from the Town. In the mid-1980s, he was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his work on television and was the executive producer for the popular shows Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Martin. In 2011, the Black Rep of St. Louis, Missouri produced the premiere of his play The Montford Point Marine.
The Pender Arts Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering and promoting the arts throughout Pender County, North Carolina. Through community-driven initiatives, events, and educational programs, the council supports local artists, musicians, and performers while enriching the cultural landscape of the region. From visual arts and live performances to workshops and special events, the Pender Arts Council serves as a vibrant hub for creativity and artistic expression. By collaborating with local businesses, schools, and community partners, the council ensures that the arts remain an integral part of Pender County’s identity. Learn more at PenderArtsCouncil.org and follow us on social media for upcoming events and programs.
Celebrating its 13th year as the nucleus of Wilmington’s arts community, the Arts Council supports artists, arts organizations, and audiences through innovative public-private partnerships that create jobs, stimulate commerce, and position the region as a premier arts destination. In addition to grantmaking, key initiatives include Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, Wilmington Theater Awards, and management of public art projects for area institutions. For more information, visit www.artswilmington.org.
Established in 1788, Thalian Association Community Theatre is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to enhancing the Cape Fear region through live community theatre and arts education. Thalian Association Community Theatre produces five major productions annually on the Main Stage at historic Thalian Hall and manages the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center for the City of Wilmington. The youth theatre program offers training and performance opportunities for children ages seven through high school seniors. In 2007, Thalian Association Community Theatre was designated North Carolina’s Official Community Theater by the state legislature. For more information, go to www.thalian.org.
