New Quad-Cities Play to Premiere at Lincoln Center In Davenport
Curtis B. Lewis Jr., grew up around Rock Island’s 14th ½ Street, where life revolved around the porch. Those meaningful beginnings form the foundation of his new play, “The Half,” which will premiere later this month at The Lincoln Center, Davenport.
Lewis, a 2007 Rock Island High alum, is founder of Journey Live Production (JLP), a creative platform born from his vision to celebrate, educate, and empower through the transformative lens of African-American theater.
With over 20 years in the performing arts, Lewis has worn many hats: actor, writer, director, and community builder. His work is deeply rooted in the belief that storytelling can spark healing, dialogue, and generational impact. From intimate stage plays to cultural events, he has consistently used art as a tool to reflect the complexities, beauty, and resilience of Black life.
Through Journey Live Production, Lewis says he’s building more than productions. He is building community. His leadership has helped shape JLP into a movement that amplifies unheard voices and creates space for bold, authentic expression in the Quad Cities and beyond.
Aubrey Barnes, left,.rehearses “The Half” with Curtis Lewis, Jr.
Lewis is committed to telling stories that matter — stories that reach, restore and remind us of who we are.
“The Half” is a bold, one-act play that tells the story of two young Black men, Abraham (played by Lewis) and Professor (played by Rock Island poet and spoken-word artist Aubrey Barnes). They sit on a porch near 14½ Street, wrestling with dreams, survival, and brotherhood.
It’s a story rooted in community, legacy, and the realities we carry.
Through storytelling, we aim to create conversation, reflection, and transformation in the hearts of our audiences especially within the Quad Cities, Lewis says. This play represents not only art, but healing, culture, and the power of narrative.
“The Half” (which refers to his home street) is the first play Barnes has performed in, Lewis said Tuesday. A few years apart in age, the men were on Rocky’s wrestling team together.
Lewis asked Barnes two years ago if he would be in his play, which fit him like a glove.
“I want the audience to feel the emotion behind it, also to experience, knowing these guys are smart,” the playwright said, noting the characters are around 20 in the story, “very wise beyond their age.”
Where Lewis grew up in Rock Island, “You see everything – good, bad, you see people who are happy, family, community, you see life,” he said, noting he went on to major in theater performance at Southern Illinois University.
Playwright and director Curtis Lewis, Jr. (left) rehearses his new play “The Half” with Aubrey Barnes.
Lewis had a lead role in the Playcrafters 2009 production of “A Raisin in the Sun,” and has previously written the plays “Beauty Inside and Out” and “American Assassination.” He was based in the St. Louis area before moving back to the QC about five years ago.
This will be the first time he’s performed in the renovated auditorium at The Lincoln Center, 318 E. 7th St., Davenport.
Messages in “The Half” include that you can heal from anything, and the play includes Biblical references, such as the character of Abraham.
“I come from background of believing, go back to the source. Stay encouraged,” Lewis said of his inspirational theme. “I know it’s tough sometimes, we all go through challenges – your nationality, your race. You can make it through tough times. Just don’t give up – it’s very simple, don’t give up.”
The play’s title also represents the angle that each of characters represent a half, they need each other, and complete each other, he said.
“It’s a play that will spark conversation. It gets you thinking about your life,” Lewis said. “We touch on everything – religion, faith, just life, and life events. I think people can come just not to be entertained, but to reflect on their personal life.”
The performances will be at 7:30 p.m. June 26, 27 and 28, with 3 p.m. matinees on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29. The June 28 matinee will feature a talkback session afterwards.
Tickets are available at www.JourneyLiveProduction.org.
