South Bend Civic Theatre

403 N. Main Street

South Bend, IN
46601
sbct.org

For Immediate Release 10/25/2023

WORLD PREMIERE - “Better Homes: The Play Explores Historic Redlining”

The South Bend Civic Theatre presents a new work by playwright Caleen Sinnette Jennings
based on Gabrielle Robinson’s book Better Homes of South Bend: An American Story of
Courage.

In 1950, a group of African American workers at the Studebaker factory in South Bend met in
secret. Their mission: to build homes away from the factories and slums where they were forced
to live. Witness this triumphant true story come to life on stage as these courageous families rise
against the entrenched racism of the time.

Better Homes: The Play explores the Great Migration, redlining, and the role systemic racial
injustice has played in the development of South Bend's Black community.

*Due to popular demand, performances have moved from the Warner Studio Theatre to the
Wilson Auditorium.

Performances will take place in the Wilson Auditorium, located at the South Bend Civic Theatre,
403 N. Main Street, downtown South Bend. Evening showtimes are November 10, 11, 16, 17,
and 18 at 7:30pm. Sunday matinee showtimes are November 12 and 19 at 2:00pm. There will be
talk-backs after each performance. Tickets range in price from $35-$25 and can be purchased at
sbct.org.

Ticket Link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35243/production/1132590

Event Highlights
● Pre-show discussions with author Gabrielle Robinson will be held November 11 and 18
at 6:50pm and November 12 and 19 at 1:20pm.

● The exhibit "Undesign the Redline" will be featured in the Warner Gallery at CIVIC
beginning November 1. Five compelling panels illustrate the devastating impact of
redlining, with several featuring South Bend neighborhoods.

The South Bend Civic Theatre aims to enrich and create community through live theatre.
South Bend Civic Theatre
403 N. Main Street
South Bend, IN
46601
sbct.org

Better Homes: The Play - written by Caleen Sinnette Jennings

Co-directed by Laurisa Lesure and Bo Petersen

Media Contact:

Abbey Platt - CIVIC Marketing Manager

574-520-3662
abbey@sbct.org

The CIVIC thanks our sponsors for making this important production possible.

LEAD SPONSORS
Cressy & Everett Real Estate
South Bend Area Realtors
Indiana Association of Realtors
Real Services, Inc

SPONSORS
KeyBank
AEP Foundation + Indiana Michigan Power
African American Community Fund (CFSJC)
Solv Energy
St. Joseph County Bar Association
The History Museum
South Bend Community School Corporation
South Bend Alumni Association
South Bend Education Foundation

The South Bend Civic Theatre aims to enrich and create community through live theatre.