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Arts educator Shavonne Coleman makes directorial debut at Detroit Repertory Theatre

April 24, 2026

Shavonne Coleman, a Detroit-based theater professional and University of Michigan assistant professor, has made her professional directing debut with "Eclipsed" at the Detroit Repertory Theatre. The production tells the story of five women navigating survival during Liberia's Second Civil War in 2003, shifting focus from traditional soldier narratives to the experiences of women who were kidnapped and assaulted by a commanding officer. Written by Danai Gurira and originally premiered in 2009, the play required Coleman to conduct extensive research on Liberian civil wars, conflicts she previously knew little about.

Who is affected

  • Shavonne Coleman (director making her professional debut)
  • The cast members, including Shonique White and Danae Ross (making their professional acting debuts)
  • Actors in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s involved in the production
  • Stage manager Michelle Guernsey-McKay
  • Audiences attending the Detroit Repertory Theatre
  • Students and youth at Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit (where Coleman works)
  • Students in Coleman's theatre department at the University of Michigan

What action is being taken

  • "Eclipsed" is running at the Detroit Repertory Theatre through May 17
  • The cast is conducting consent and accessibility check-ins at the beginning of every rehearsal
  • Coleman and the stage manager are monitoring the cast's mental health during rehearsals and performances
  • Coleman is working with Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, helping adapt, write, direct and coach youth theater

Why it matters

  • This production brings attention to an underrepresented perspective on the Second Liberian Civil War by centering women's experiences rather than soldiers' stories, addressing a conflict many Americans were unaware of despite Liberians expecting U.S. intervention. The play highlights how people remain segregated in their knowledge despite access to information, encouraging audiences to acknowledge different human experiences as a foundation for creating better conditions for all people to thrive. Additionally, the production demonstrates the importance of mental health awareness in theater, particularly when dealing with traumatic subject matter, while providing professional opportunities for emerging Detroit-area actors.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com