Burying the Bones

What: Michigan premiere of a play by M.E.H. Lewis set in post-Apartheid South Africa.

Where: The Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit; 313-868-1347; detroitreptheatre.com.

When: Curtains at 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 3 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays, until March 18.

The Detroit Repertory Theatre — often simply called "the Rep" — stages a variety of plays in its west side theater, including thoughtful comedies and light dramas. But every winter they mount at least one hard-hitting production dealing with social problems or political issues. This winter is no exception. This M.E.H. Lewis play is a "ghost story" that takes place in post-Apartheid South Africa. Mae is haunted by apparitions of her husband, James, who has been missing for two years. Disregarding the advice of her politically active sister, Mae appeals to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission — whose job is discovering and revealing past wrongdoing under Apartheid — hoping to learn what happened to James. There, she must face the white policeman accused of killing James, learning that the truth is often more painful and complicated than you think, even if it finally grants you the closure of "burying the bones." 

This production marks the longtime Rep actor Leah Smith's directorial debut, and features Detroit professional theatre veterans Lynch R. Travis, Monica J. Palmer, Madelyn Porter, Nelson Jones, and newcomers Terri Andrews and Nicole Michelle Haskins.

Advance admission is $17; door admission is $20. Call 313-868-1347 for tickets and information.

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