‘Karma’ to go around the stage tonight

Published 12:00 am Friday, April 23, 2010

NATCHEZ — You don’t have to tell Mease Banks Karma is a conniving woman; he created her.

Banks, former executive director of the Natchez Downtown Development Association, will make his writing and directing debut with his play “Karma: What Goes Around Comes Around” at 7 p.m. today at the Natchez Community Center. A late night performance will follow at 10 p.m.

Banks said “Karma” tells the story of a woman who’s getting married for the wrong reasons. Karma’s father has willed her a fortune, but she must fulfill her father’s wishes if she wants access to the money.

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“Karma’s doing anything in her power to get this money,” Banks said. “She’s going to have everybody mad at her, but at the end, it’s all coming around to bite her in the behind, for lack of a better word.”

Banks, who serves on the Natchez Little Theatre Board of Directors, recently started his new production company, KM Productions, which encourages adults and children alike to tap into their creative capabilities.

“I want to give our community an alternative as far as exploring their creativity whether it be dancing, acting, writing or singing,” Banks said.

Banks was inspired to write “Karma” after portraying the character of George Murchison in NLT’s production of “A Raisin in the Sun.”

“When I was on stage, I was a totally different person,” Banks said. “That inspired me to write and put this production on myself.”

“Karma” castmembers are Banks, Roshawnda Baker, Candace Fleming, Ben’tay Thomas, Ashley White and Christopher Sherman. Donald Bates and Roosevelt Trust are the play’s assistant directors, and stage designer is Sheemeka Trust.

Tickets for the play are $15 and will be available at the door. Tickets are also available at Mississippi Title Loans, 319 John R. Junkin Drive, and Cade’s Closet, 705 Franklin St.