The play “Platanos y Collard Greens” is coming to the Main Lounge at the University Center on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m., courtesy of a touring group sponsored by the Students Activities Board.
“We will be performing the fresh re-mixed version of the play, ‘Platanos, Collard Greens Y Callaloo’ that also brings in the added dimension of relations between people from the West Indies and African-Americans and Latinos as well,” David Lamb, the playwright, said in an email interview.
It is a “hilarious tale of love, family drama and politics,” according to the events calendar for Seton Hall University.
The original show is the story of two college students, one black and one Latina, strangers from different cultures who fall in love at first sight. In the true nature of a Romeo and Juliet-esque story, the two have to confront and overcome prejudices and defend their bond from family and friends, according to the official website of the show.
“The students can expect to see a play that will remind them of their own lives and families, that will challenge them to think, make them laugh out loud again and again and again and leave them feeling inspired,” Lamb said.
The production has been performed off-Broadway at the Adrienne Arscht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, The Forum performing arts venue in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and at more than 250 college in more than 30 states across the country.
Lamb was born in Queens and attended Hunter College, Princeton University, and New York University School of Law. Long after he left Queens, the struggles and stories of his neighborhood continued to speak to him.
Lamb wanted to “tell stories that captured the social and political issues facing Blacks and Latinos in New York.”
He founded a publishing company and released the novel “Do Platanos Go Wit’ Collard Greens?” in 1995. In 2003, Lamb staged the play “Platanos Y Collard Greens.”
The show is now in its tenth season.
Mariel Pagan, assistant dean of students for student activities, said food from a local Latino restaurant will be available after the performance.
Rosemary Sweigart can be reached at rosemary.sweigart@student.shu.edu.
