RLT Presents DAR HE This Weekend

In 1955, a 14-year-old black Chicago youth traveled to the Mississippi Delta with country kinfolk and southern cooking on his mind. He walked off the train and into a world he could never understand. It was a world of thick color lines, of hard-held class systems and unspeakable taboos. Young Emmett crossed that line and stepped into his gruesome fate by whistling at a white woman. This riveting play chronicles the murder, trial and unbelievable confession of the men accused of Till's lynching.

There will be a reception, featuring a performance excerpt by Mike Wiley, on Wednesday, September 10th from 6-8pm in the Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre. Free refreshments will be provided by Café Carolina and no RSVP is required. Writing about the premiere of this piece, the News and Observer said, ""A tour-de-force ... a riveting evening of theater, one of the year's ten best."

This presentation is part of RLT's mini-festival, "Connecting Theatre to 20th Century African American Experiences." The festival continues in October with Mirandy and Brother Wind, the area premiere of a musical for family audiences. In Ridgetop, South Carolina, 1906, Mirandy is determined to catch Brother Wind. It's the best bet to win the cake walk, but he eludes all the tricks that her friends advise. This adaptation of a popular children's book is a cultural celebration that is full of lively song and dance.

Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till is sponsored by United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, with funds from the United Arts campaign, as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources. The media sponsor is Triangle Tribune. Tickets for all events can be purchased by calling the box office (919)-821-3111, Monday through Friday, noon-5 PM, or by visiting the theatre's website at www.raleighlittletheatre.org. Dar He runs from today, September 19 - 22.

Raleigh Little Theatre is located at 301 Pogue St., Raleigh, N.C. 27607, adjacent to the Raleigh Rose Garden.