Impact and Academy Bring McIntyre's Gutsy and Gritty SPLIT SECOND To The Stage

A black cop loses his cool. There are no witnesses. Does he turn himself in, or does he cover it all up? This isSplit Second, by Dennis McIntyre, opening this April at Hapeville Performing Arts Center.

Brenda Porter is known for her outstanding work with compelling dramas and relishes directing another heavy-hitter. "At the heart of the show, it's a crisis of the individual", says Porter. "The question is, what is the right thing to do, not just in the moment, but in the aftermath." Porter has never been one to shy away from provocative issues, having directed Yellowman by Dael Orlandersmith, about colorism within the black community, and Nobody by C. Robert Jones, a biography of Bert Williams, an actor who performed in blackface.

The story begins when an ordinary cop makes a deadly decision that changes his life forever. This drama explores the story of a respected African-American police officer who arrests a white man. The suspect taunts the officer with racist insults until, in the grip of uncontrollable rage, the officer crosses the line.

"This is a powerhouse of a play, and I am so excited to be a part of it," says DuJuan Paxton, who plays police officer Val Johnson. Paxton was previously seen in the highly popular world premiere performance of The Rooting Place by Betty Chaney.

Don't miss your chance to see this gripping and thought-provoking story. Be sure to check the website to see which performances will feature audience talkbacks.

Due to adult language and mature content, this show is rated PG-16.

What: "Split Second" by Dennis McIntyre

Who: Academy Theatre and Impact Theatre Atlanta

Where: Hapeville Performing Arts Center, 599 N. Central Ave., Hapeville, GA 30354

When: Apr. 21, 22, 28, May 5, 6 @ 8pm.

Apr. 23, 29, 30, May 7 @ 3pm

Tickets: $25 at the door, $20 on line.

For more information please call the Academy Theatre at

404-474-8332 or visit www.academytheatre.org

The City of Hapeville, the Hapeville Association of Tourism and Trade, and the Academy Theatre have entered into a public/private partnership to serve the citizens of Hapeville. The City of Hapeville and the Hapeville Association of Tourism and Trade are official sponsors of the Academy Theatre's programming in Hapeville.

Photo: DuJuan Paxton and Anjil Jeter star in Split Second by Dennis McIntyre. Photo by Alison Ramsay