By Ryan Davis, Nova Southeastern University

For theater lovers looking for a show that’s more than just entertainment, New City Players has something moving in store this summer. From July 12 to 27, the Fort Lauderdale-based company will present Confederates at Island City Stage—a bold production that blends humor, history, and heart.

Led by Producing Artistic Director Tim Davis, New City Players is known for staging intimate, thought-provoking works, and Confederates is no exception. Written by acclaimed playwright Dominique Morisseau, the play moves between two time periods—the 1860s and 2022—to explore the parallel struggles of two Black women fighting for freedom, identity, and respect.

“What drew me to this play was the way it connects two completely different worlds but shows how some of the same battles still exist today,” Davis explains. “It really forces the audience to reflect on what progress actually looks like.”

For Davis, theater has always been about connection. He believes stories like Confederates are what people need in a world that often feels divided.

“Theater gives us this rare opportunity to step into someone else’s experience,” he says. “It slows us down and lets us view life through a different lens—even if just for an hour or two.”

New City Players has been creating that kind of space for ten years. What started as a small group performing in Fort Lauderdale has grown into a respected company with an ensemble of over 20 artists committed to sharing meaningful stories. Their mission is to nurture local talent and stage productions that explore human complexity and diversity.

Bringing a play like Confederates to life hasn’t been without challenges. Davis admits that attracting audiences to lesser-known plays—especially ones centered around Black female voices—can sometimes be difficult.

“There’s always a risk when you step outside of what’s comfortable or familiar for your audience,” Davis says. “But I believe that’s where real growth happens—for the audience and for us as artists.”

What excites Davis most about this production is the talented team behind it. Directed by Bahá McCain, a theater professor at the University of Miami, and starring powerhouse performers like Rita Cole and Nye Fairweather, Davis feels confident the story will leave a lasting impact.

“I’m thrilled to see how this cast brings the story to life,” Davis says. “Their passion, talent, and perspective make this production incredibly special.”

If Davis had to sum up what he hopes people take away from Confederates in just one word, it would be “transformative.”

“I want people to leave the theater feeling different from when they walked in,” Davis shares. “Whether it challenges their thinking, makes them feel something new, or simply helps them see someone else’s story a little clearer—that’s the power of theater.”

Looking beyond this production, Davis hopes New City Players continues to serve as a creative force that brings South Florida’s community together.

“At the end of the day, we want to create more than just great theater,” Davis says. “We want to build understanding, create empathy, and start conversations that matter.”