Palaver Tree to present new play

The cast of ‘A Matter of Seconds’ by Herb Donaldson, from top to bottom, Corion Knight, Ryan Moore, E. Marie Sissle.

PHOTO BY GERALD BROWN FOR PALAVER TREE

Special to The Sun

Palaver Tree Theater will present its first play of the 2023-24 season, running Thursday, Oct. 26, through Saturday, Oct 28.
The play, “A Matter of Seconds,” was written by Palaver Tree founder Herb Donaldson, and features Corion Ty’rell Knight, Ryan Moore, and E. Marie Sissle.
The play received its first reading at Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theatre and was directed by Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther). It went on to perform at The Downtown Urban Arts Festival, The Urban Pop Festival, and was later produced by BanjiGirl Productions at the Walnut Street Theatre, in Philadelphia (the oldest operating theatre in America).
The play delves into the relationships between a mother and her two sons after the death of a well-known writer. The sons believe the writer was their father. But, was he? The play’s many twists and turns reveal a number of unwanted truths and deceptions.
E. Marie Sissle (who plays ‘Jessie’ in the show) says, “I’m thrilled to collaborate with a director who possesses such profound knowledge. After spending a few years on the other side, returning to the stage with this poignant and genuinely moving story is incredibly fulfilling.”
Ryan Moore, (‘Malcolm’) and who is also in the cast of ‘Grease” at the Wakulla Community Theater says, “I am so grateful to work with the astounding Herb Donaldson. I have been performing in Tallahassee and surrounding areas for over eight years, and am studying theatre at FSU. This 3-person cast has worked tirelessly to produce ‘Seconds’ for the Crawfordville community and I hope they enjoy the performance.”
Corion Knight, (‘Adam’) in the show, is a hometown athletic hero. He is a former Wakulla High state champion and was once All-Big Bend Field Athlete of the Year. He became an eight-time All-American and two-time NAIA national champ before entering FSU. He was second-best all-time indoor jump in FSU history, behind Olympian Ngoni Makusha’s ACC-record jump of 8.21m.
“I’m super excited about this play!” says Corion, “This is my first time acting and I’m really looking forward to it. The work has been nothing short of an incredible experience.”
“A Matter of Seconds” plays for one weekend only, beginning Thursday, Oct. 26 through Saturday, Oct. 28. Showtimes are 8 p.m. nightly, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
Tickets are available online at www.PalaverTreeTheater.org