Skip to main content

Savannah State University Hosts “Ida B. n’ the Lynching Tree” Theatre Production

Senior Savannah State student Tiffany Wright (left) as elder Ida B. Wells, and Vanity Daniel (right) as young Ida B. Wells. "To keep the waters troubled!" Ida B. Wells looks toward the future and her future remembers the past. Photo Credit: Savannah State University Multimedia Specialist Sarah Peacock.

Savannah State University’s official theatre group, Players by the Sea, in collaboration with The Collective Face Theatre Ensemble, is hosting “Ida B. n’ the Lynching Tree,” by Carolyn Nur Wistrand, a theatrical performance which tells the story of Pulitzer Prize winner Ida B. Wells. Opening night of the production is Wednesday, February 16 at 7 p.m. at the Kennedy Fine Arts Center on the campus of Savannah State University, 3219 College St. Admission is free on February 16 only.

Additional shows will take place February 17 – 20 also at 7 p.m. nightly, with general admission tickets at $25, including a $5 discount for senior citizens and members of the military. Tickets for SSU faculty, staff and students will be $5. A portion of proceeds from the event supports student scholarships. This event is also a part of the Savannah Black Heritage Festival.

Admission is free on opening night Wednesday, Feb. 16.

Ida B. Wells was a champion for injustice who had a lifelong crusade against lynching and inequities. A journalist and founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Wells died in 1931.

“The exposure of Black American faces on stage is important,” said David I. L. Poole, Savannah State University’s senior lecturer in theatre. “When attendees leave this production, we want them to walk away knowing who Ida B. was, what her life entailed and how it pertains to today.”

Attendees can prepare for many creative experiences, including a Hamilton-esque rap sequence and being entertained by a cast of 30 members made up of university faculty, students, alumni and community members acting together. The production is choreographed by alumna Mikeshia McPhaul. The sound is being developed exclusively for this show by Mary Edwards, a sound designer and composer from Savannah and New York City. Concessions will be available for purchase from The People’s Grocery, a location central to the story.

For more information or to reserve your tickets, visit The Collective Face website.


Popular posts from this blog

SSU Announces 40 Under 40 Awards

SSU Announces 40 Under 40 Awards Savannah State University (SSU) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural 40 Under 40 Awards to recognize young alumni of the university who have made significant contributions to their profession and community. “Ideal candidates for the award should have achieved notable professional success, demonstrated exceptional leadership in their fields, made a positive impact in their communities and embodied the values and mission of Savannah State University,” said Cynthia Robinson Alexander, J.D., SSU Interim President. A nomination form is available HERE . The form requires the nominee's contact information, a brief description of their accomplishments, and an explanation of why they deserve to be recognized. The nomination deadline is August, 30, 2024. Only graduates of Savannah State University may submit a nomination. Only two nominations are allowed from each nominator. Self-nominations will not be accepted. All nominations will be reviewed b...
4 comments
Read more

Alumni Spotlight Wall: 28 Tigers Who Have Made and are Making History

During the month of February, each day, as we celebrate Black history, we will shine a light on Savannah State University's notable alumni who have made and are making history. Wesley McGriff, class of '90 Wesley McGriff, class of 1990, is the co-defensive coordinator/ secondary coach at the University of Louisville. A native of Tifton, Ga., Wesley McGriff, class of 1990, is the co-defensive coordinator/ secondary coach at the University of Louisville. McGriff played at South Carolina State for one year before transferring to Savannah State, where he started at outside linebacker for three seasons and was named the conference’s 1989 Male Academic Athlete of the Year. McGriff has been in the coaching ranks since 1990 when he was hired as a graduate assistant at Savannah State, where he coached for four years. Starting as a graduate assistant, McGriff tutored running backs before coaching the secondary in 1991-92 and then served as defensive coordinator in 1993-94. He was Savanna...
Read more

Savannah State University Announces 40 Under 40 Recipients

Inaugural Class of Nominees Recognizes Achievements of Young Alumni Savannah, GA – Savannah State University (SSU) recently announced the inaugural Class of 40 Under 40 Awards recipients, a prestigious recognition to applaud the outstanding success stories of its young alumni and inspire current and future students.   SSU will honor the recipients with an award ceremony including recipients, guests and faculty on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.   The award recognizes the contributions of individuals who have excelled in their respective fields before the age of 40. This year’s recipients work in a wide array of environments from municipalities to universities to federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies. The list includes company founders, executives, state representatives, doctors and lawyers.    “We’re overjoyed to share with the world what these young alumni have accomplished in just a few short years since graduating from this beloved institution,” said SS...
Post a Comment
Read more