Name: Bradford Barnes

Role: Lyons

Hometown: Oakland, California

What about Fences speaks to you as an artist?: The retelling and exploration of a black family in the 1950’s and how that era helped reflect each characters’ individual points of view.

What’s your biggest challenge when taking on this role?: My biggest challenge was not holding my character up to my personal standards in life. Like an onion, I want to continue peeling away layers in order to find the truth and essence of Lyons, not only as a musician but also as a young man.

Favorite role (that you’ve played or that you want to play?): A favorite role I’d love to play is Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello.

When you have a five minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?: On a five (or ten) minute break, I usually put on my headphones and find a nice secluded place to dance. Most of the time I’m pop locking and gliding to old school music. It’s very relaxing and I return to rehearsal feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

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Come and see Bradford and the rest of our cast in August Wilson’s Fences, from April 5 – 21, with a preview night on April 4. Click here to buy tickets.