February 2 – February 5, 2012

Curated and directed by George Ferencz

A festival of concert play readings celebrating Black History Month.

Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:30pm

HANNA ELIAS

by Nathan Ross Freeman

During late 19th century Hannah, a legendary Enchantress to wealthy white businessmen, became involved in scandal and murder.
Directed by George Ferencz.
Featuring Richarda Abrams, Brittney Benson, Cam Kordman, Jason Marx, Chuck Montgomery, John Andrew Morrison, Juliet O’Brien, Stu Richel and Brent Yoshikami

Friday, February 3, 2012 at 7:30pm

SAFE HOUSE

by Keith Josef Adkins

1843. Kentucky. A free family of color risk everything to help a slave escape to Liberia. The consequences? Their freedom and their lives.
Directed by Jasper McGruder
Featuring James Edward Becton, Deadria Harrington, Jonathan Hooks, Timothy Klein, Sharon McGruder, Chenana Manno & Leah Pearson

Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 7:30pm

SWEET MERCY

by Melody Cooper

An African-American general’s niece is getting married but the military wedding is disrupted by the ghosts of Rwanda.
Directed by Melissa Maxwell
Featuring Erin Cherry, Brian D. Coats, Marcus Carl Franklin, Larry Floyd, Gillian Glasco, Bruce A Lemon, Robert G. McKay, Melissa Murray-Mutch & Anni Weisband

Sunday, February 5, 2012 at 2:30pm

JUMP JIM CROW

by Henry Meyerson

Jump Jim Crow may have started as an innocent shuffle dance in the vaudeville houses of mid-19th century New York, but this dance became the rationalization for Jim Crow laws throughout the United States.
Directed by George Ferencz
Featuring Jack Luceno, John-Andrew Morrison & Chris Zorker