By Michelle Hines, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted 2-5-09
GREENSBORO, N.C. – UNCG Theatre’s latest production, “Home on the Mornin’ Train,” provides a thoughtful and educational experience for youngsters as we celebrate Black History Month.
The play, written by Kim Hines, combines the story of Jewish children fleeing the Holocaust with images of African-American slaves risking their lives on the Underground Railroad. In addition to school matinees, six public performances run Feb. 26- March 1, in Taylor Theatre.
Director Jennifer Ridgway says the show, aimed at children in grades 5 and up, taps into the universal theme of adversity and struggle. “Our struggles are both our own personal demons and the physical and human obstacles. We collaborate. We discover creative ways to resist. We empower ourselves. We courageously overcome. This production explores the themes of struggle, courage, collaboration and creative resistance.”
The Jewish children hiding from the Nazis in 1939 Germany find inspiration and comfort as they read about slave children escaping on the Underground Railroad in 1839 America.
Ridgway says the production blends several cultures and also several departments at UNCG.
Carlos Fuentes, a composing student in the School of Music, wrote original music for the show that integrates Jewish and African instruments, sounds and rhythms.
To open the show, Robin Gee, dance faculty, choreographed an original African masquerade dance depicting the middle passage and times before individual freedoms were taking away.
“Home on the Mornin’ Train” was produced by the North Carolina Theatre for Young People, based in the Department of Theatre at UNCG.
Public performances, all held in Taylor Theatre on Tate Street, are scheduled for: Thursday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are $12 adults; $10 students and senior citizens; $8 groups of 10 or more and UNCG Alumni Association members; $7 current UNCG students.
Call the University Box Office at (336) 334-4849 for tickets.
