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 Mourns the Passing of Former Athletics Director

  Savannah State University is deeply saddened by the passing of former Director of Athletics, Mr. Sterling Steward. A proud native of New Orleans, Mr. Steward served as SSU’s Director of Athletics from 2011 to 2018. Throughout his tenure, his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the success of student-athletes made a profound and lasting impact on the entire SSU community. Savannah State University will forever be grateful for Mr. Steward’s numerous contributions to SSU Athletics and the University as a whole. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, athletes, and staff. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the Steward family, his friends, loved ones, and all who are affected by this loss.
Post a Comment
Read more

SSU Foundation, Inc. Elects New Officers

    Chairwoman, Dr. Clementine Washington  The Savannah State University Foundation elected new officers during its 2025 winter board meeting held January 18 on the Savannah State University campus. The new officers will serve a 3-year term and were sworn into their new roles effective immediately. The new officers include Chairwoman, Dr. Clementine Washington; Vice Chairman, Mr. Michael Kaigler; Secretary, Mr. James Melvin; Treasurer, Mr. John Kelley; and Financial Secretary, Mrs. Carolyn Price. “It is with profound humility and gratitude that I thank you for your vote of confidence in electing me to serve as Chairman of the Savannah State University Foundation, Inc.,” said Washington. “During my term of office, we will work together as ‘One SSU’ to conduct the business of the Foundation, pursue my campaign goals, and consider other initiatives that may be presented, evaluated, and approved by the board membership.” The Savannah State University Foundation, Inc. is ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dr. Jermaine Whirl Named SSU President

Dr. Jermaine Whirl   The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr. Jermaine Whirl president of Savannah State University (SSU), effective April 1, 2025. Whirl, an Aspen Fellow, most recently served as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), a role he has held since November 2020. Whirl’s career includes nearly 20 years of service as a faculty member and administrative leader at public colleges and universities in his home state of South Carolina and in Georgia. He has previously worked at several institutions, including Greenville Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State University. “As we welcome Dr. Whirl back into the USG family, we deeply appreciate the steadfast and dedicated leadership of interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Cynthia has laid a strong foundation for Savannah State’s future, one that Dr. Whirl is well-equipped to build...
Post a Comment
Read more