FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA Opens at Studio Theatre Tonight

The Studio Theatre presents From the Mississippi Delta by Endesha Ida Mae Holland, Ph.D, a story about the strength of women during The Civil Rights Movement told through live music and singing. From the Mississippi Delta will run from tonight, January 17 through Saturday, January 26, 2013.

Endesha Ida Mae Holland, Ph.D, (1944 - 2006) is a Lorraine Hansberry award-winning author, a Drama-Logue Theatre Award winner, and a Pulitzer Prize nominee. From the Mississippi Delta is based on Holland's extraordinary life journey. Initially a memoir, the play manages to transcend an engaging narrative of one woman's trajectory from poverty to success into a compelling performance work. The play is symbolic for a whole generation of African-Americans who traversed the dangerous grounds of the Civil Rights Movement to move this nation into our present state.

Live music underscores From the Mississippi Delta, transforming very serious issues into entertaining theatre. Director Phillip Barnhart explains, "The art of a true story, the art of acting, the art of performance, the art of forgiveness, and the art of compassion - all of these will lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves, of our history, and of our present, daily interactions with one another."

Barnhart also adds "Things have certainly gotten better for everyone whose rights were withheld, African-American or otherwise; however, Holland's play reminds us that the work is not nearly finished. Issues of race, as well as socio-economic and gender positions, still undercut most of the disparities that continue to exist in the United States, keeping us from the privileged position to which we hold ourselves to the world, and to ourselves: a truly democratic nation."

The cast includes (in alphabetical order): Katrinia Carson as Woman Two, Bridgette Jordan as Woman One, and Laurice White as Woman Three.

The production team includes: Phillip Barnhart (Director), Maggie Beson (Production Stage Manager), Michael Hallberg (Lighting Designer), Clover Rushing (Scenic Designer), Melissa Hall (Costume Designer), Ryan Koprince (Sound Designer), and Felix Li (Publicity Manager).

The Studio Theatre is an intimate, 110-seat, open-stage theatre in the lower level of the Hilberry Theatre on Wayne State University's campus that is often used for experimental, student, and classroom productions. Annual programming includes the PhD Directors' Series, the Student Stage and the Louise Heck-Rabi Dramatic Writing Competition. For nearly fifty years the Studio Theatre has presented great theatre featuring WSU undergraduate students. With generous support from patrons and donors, the Studio Theatre recently underwent renovation. For box office hours and information on performances, tickets, and group discounts, call the box office at (313) 577-2972 or visit the theatre's website at www.wsustudio.com.

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