Charlotte Theatre Presents E. Claudette Freeman’s “The Slumber Party” Feb. 19-22
By AUSHJA COTTEN
The inspiration for “The Slumber Party” began during a graveyard shift at a call center.
“Very interesting time to work at a call center,” playwright E. Claudette Freeman explained in a recent interview. “There was a wonderful host of people that I absolutely adored, and a couple of those people knew that I also wrote, and so they were always encouraging me.”
One night Freeman and her colleagues were discussing how to support a friend who was in a difficult situation.
“We were talking about how to approach her, and what we should say so she wouldn’t feel judged. Women sometimes don’t extend themselves to friends because we are more concerned about their reaction than about what we can really do for them.”
This conversation sparked the creation of “The Slumber Party,” a story centered around five friends. Growing up together, each experienced first loves, heart breaks and life challenges. They supported each other through family struggles, moments of racism, the exciting journey of pregnancy and separation. Years later, they reunite for a slumber party, bringing secrets and confessions to the table.
The UNC Charlotte Department of Theatre will present “The Slumber Party” Feb. 19-22 in the Black Box Theater in Robinson Hall. The play is directed by Visiting Professor Margarette Joyner.
Freeman described the writing process as observational and made up through real-life interactions. Paying close attention to facial expressions and dialogue, she crafted the characters by associating relatable and authentic experiences with each individual.
“I’m constantly people-watching. I’m looking at your face, trying to see if I feel your story in your eyes. Once the characters were established, the personalities and backgrounds began to flow naturally.”
Freeman said that her understanding of the characters was shaped by her own upbringing. Growing up in a diverse neighborhood as one of the only Black families residing on their street, she developed a clear vision of how different cultures exist in the same community, which shaped the core dynamic of each character in “The Slumber Party.” Three of the characters are African American, one is Mexican and one is of Dominican descent.
The Department of Theatre production will be the first time the play has been produced in North Carolina. Freeman is excited to see her story performed from a fresh perspective for the UNC Charlotte audience.
As the director, Joyner is bringing her own creative twist to the production of “The Slumber Party.” She and Freeman have a long association. “This is my third time directing this show,” she said.
For this production, the Black Box Theater is configured so that the play takes place in the round.
“There are no walls; the set is plopped down in the middle of the stage, and audience members are all around it,” said Joyner. “So that is extremely different, and most people don’t want to do that because it’s a challenge with sight lines. But I don’t scare easily.”
Beyond the technical elements of the production, Joyner is excited for the relatable storyline to resonate with the audience members. She noted the play is designed for a diverse audience, highlighting themes that are experienced across generations. Although the story was written in the 1990s, it is still relevant today.
“Students, specifically, can understand the importance of friendship portrayed onstage and apply it in their lives. I hope they value their ride-or-die friendships. A lot of people stick around for a season. But it’s rare that you find somebody that will stick around for a lifetime.”
Joyner will retire at the end of the school year. In her final semester at UNC Charlotte, she plans to go out with a bang by presenting a production that remains close to her heart.
Both Freeman and Joyner hope the audience leaves with an understanding of friendships and how they may grow, fade, or evolve over the course of time. They emphasized to remain respectful, empathetic and honest throughout all connections, while recognizing everyone is entitled to their own experiences and allowed to make mistakes.
Tickets to “The Slumber Party” are $8-18 and can be purchased by clicking this link or at the Robinson Hall box office. There will be a talkback with Freeman following the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, Feb. 21.