Oak & Ivy is a dramatization of the first book of poetry published by Paul Laurence Dunbar in 1892. Dunbar was one of the first black poets working and creating within a society that could not understand his unique perspective. His work is the perfect choice for the first in MELANIN’s Coloring the Box series. This emotional and at times unexpectedly funny staged reading breathes new life into Dunbar’s first published work with inspiration from his own life experiences.

Live Arts directors and performers Leslie Baskfield, Clinton Johnston, Ray Smith, and Jared Ivory bring a series of exciting performances to Live Arts under the banner of Melanin, a new theater ensemble dedicated to exploring the works of African American artists and interpreting classic works through an African American perspective. Melanin aims to find modern, multi-cultural approaches to works originally conceived in times of racial stratification, and to develop work with deep ties to its community while providing new creative opportunities for Charlottesville’s African American theater artists.

Auditions for Oak and Ivy will be held Sunday, March 11 & Monday, March 12. See our Audition page for more details.

Photos coming soon! Check our Photo Archive for galleries from past productions.

Trailer coming soon! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be the first to know when new videos arrive!

There are always opportunities to help build sets, work on costumes, locate and fabricate props, and all the other sundry things that go into making each show spectacular. Drop by Tuesdays from 6pm – 10pm or Saturday from 10am – 2pm and we’ll put you to work! Can’t make it those days? Contact Scott at 434-977-4177x107 or email scottdunn@livearts.org for specific volunteer opportunities.