Theatre, Justice, and Change: Documentary on NC playwright Paul Green to screen at Jengo’s Playhouse

Wilmington, NC- Cucalorus is pleased to announce the upcoming screening of southern documentary film, The Playmaker, happening Friday, March 28 at 7:30pm at Jengo’s Playhouse. The Playmaker is part of the 2024-2025 Southern Circuit series, a program supported by South Arts, that connects independent filmmakers with communities throughout the South for film screenings and conversations around compelling stories, important topics, and the art of filmmaking.

The Playmaker delves into the life and work of North Carolina playwright and activist Paul Green through in-depth interviews with his family, leading scholars, and theatre experts. At its core, the documentary examines Green’s provocative folk plays from the 1920s to 1940s, which tackled critical social issues such as integration, capital punishment, and chain gang reform. Featuring a haunting Appalachian/Southern Gothic score, The Playmaker brings Green’s story to life with never-before-published autobiographical tapes, rare home movies, archival interview footage, and custom-animated illustrations, shedding light on one of North Carolina’s most influential playwrights.

The evening begins at 6:30pm with a social hour at Jengo's backyard bar, followed by the screening, and concludes with a Q&A with director Hannah Bowman and community partners. Tickets are only $10 and are on sale now at jengos.eventive.org.

This screening is brought to you by South Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium Presents, Cucalorus Film Foundation, WHQR, and Working Films.

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