Relevant Hearsay: Stories from 57

January 22, 2004

At fifty years of age Shirley Carney began to write short stories. Her stories reflect the journey of a black woman nearing a half century of living. Ms. Carney’s voice is distinctive and her characters capture the complexity of her varied experiences. She was born in rural Mississippi, transplanted to Chicago by her teens, served in the Navy during the Vietnam era, and became an unwed mother, all before her 21st birthday. Now living in Texas she continues to straddle the fence between urban sensibilities and rural practicality. She says of her stories, "Some are true. Some mostly true. Some "Dragnet". The names have been changed to protect the innocent."

 

 

Stories written by Shirley Carney

Adapted for the stage by Shepsu Aakhu and Mignon McPherson Nance

Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance