UofL Theatre Arts kicks off its 2017-18 season with ‘Miss Ida B. Wells’

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville Department of Theatre Arts new season kicks off with the African American Theatre Program’s rendition of “Miss Ida B. Wells,” Sept. 22-Oct. 1.

The two-woman play, written by Endesha Ida Mae Holland, powerfully depicts the life of Wells, a civil rights activist and journalist who led the fight against lynching at the turn of the century.

Theatre Arts Chair Nefertiti Burton is directing the show, which she has also performed in numerous times in the past. It artfully weaves historical fact and creative imagination, she said.

“This play absolutely has relevance for conversations about race and society that are taking place now,” Burton said. “It calls to mind the African concept of sankofa, which means that you must look back and hold onto your past in order to chart your future.”  

 The play features Wells at different points in her life and stars master of fine arts students Sidney Edwards and Mutiyat Adé-Salu.

  The show kicks off a season of five plays, all written by women.

“Miss Ida B. Wells” runs at 8 p.m. Sept. 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 and 3 p.m. Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 at Thrust Theatre, 2314 S. Floyd St. The play is available for touring after Oct. 22.

Season tickets are $50. Individual tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for faculty, alumni and seniors and $8 for UofL students. To order tickets or for more information, click here, call 502-852-7682 or email uofltheatrearts@gmail.com.

For more information, contact Blair Boyd at 502-852-7682 or blair.boyd@louisville.edu.

###