Black Ensemble Sets Cast of THE TRIAL OF MOSES FLEETWOOD WALKER, Beginning Next Month

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor presents the World Premiere non-singing musical drama The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker, written by Ervin Gardner, produced and directed by Jackie Taylor and featuring live musicians and 22 actors. The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker will be presented at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, February 7 - March 15, 2015. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 3:00PM.

If asked, "Who was the first Black major league baseball player?" most people would say, "Jackie Robinson"- and most people would be wrong. The first Black baseball player was Moses Fleetwood Walker and he played for the Toledo Blue Stocking in 1884 in the major leagues. However this is not a story about baseball. This is the trial of a Black man who was as popular in his time as Michael Jordan is in ours. Moses is accused of murdering a white man in a time when Blacks were traditionally lynched without a trial for far less crimes such as looking directly in the eyes of a white man. This is a powerful true story and speaks directly to the mission of the Black Ensemble Theater-to eradicate racism.

"There is a question that has come out of the circumstances surrounding the killings of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Trayvon Martin in Florida, and Eric Gardner in New York, and that question is, 'Do Black lives matter?' That question was answered in 1891 through a true story related to the trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker," explains Jackie Taylor. "The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker works toward that mission. This is a vitally important story that is greatly needed especially during these very troubling times. Of course Black lives matter - all lives matter - and that becomes perfectly clear when you experience The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker. This play's riveting messages will bring hope to all those who choose to share in its uplifting experience."

Playwright Ervin Gardner brings to life this outstanding and touching story. He is a member of Black Playwrights Initiative (BPI) - a group created by Jackie Taylor for the sole purpose of writing plays specifically for the Black Ensemble Theater. This is Gardner's first full length play.

The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker represents the most culturally diverse and largest cast in the history of the Black Ensemble Theater with a cast of 22 people playing a total of 27 characters. Andre Teamer stars as Moses Fleetwood Walker. Other cast members include: Casey Hayes, Jack Birdwell, Trey Hobbs, Lawrence Garner, Joey Swift, Joseph Galizia, James Shinkle, Colin Reeve, Tamarus Harvell, Terry Gallagher, Gregory Fenner, Christopher McMorris, Leslie Wells, Sean Dolan, Creg Silavi, Joshua Wheeler and Leslie Collins. One additional adult cast member and three children are yet to be cast.

The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker is a drama with live music representing the era of the play, which takes place in 1892. The Music Director is Robert Reddrick. Musicans are yet to be announced.

The designers are Denice Karczewski (lighting), Ruth Ann Swanson (costumes), Aaron Quick (sound) and The A Team (set). The Technical Director is Caswell James and Scenic Artist is CoCo Ree Lemery. The Production Manager is Daryl Brooks and the Stage Manager is Cara Parrish.

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