A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller at The Justice Theater Project

During World War II, African-American soldiers at the segregated army base in Fort Neal, Louisiana are anxiously awaiting their chance to join the fight. Sergeant Waters, an African-American, stumbles drunkenly into the opening scene. Two shots pierce the silence and the unknown gunman flees as Waters falls dead. So begins a “A Soldier’s Play” by Charles Fuller, opening October 13 and running through October 29. More than a detective story, it is a tough, incisive exploration of racial tensions and ambiguities among blacks and between blacks and whites that gives no easy answers and assigns no simple blame.

Community Discussion and Events during “A Soldier’s Play”:

Wednesday, Sept 27, 7:00 PM Panel Discussion: Race and Identity. Prezell R. Robinson Library on the campus of Saint Augustine's University. Sponsored by the Saint Augustine University’s Theatre program. Panel includes student Isis Thomas, St. Augustine University’s Dean of Division of Liberal Arts and Education Dr. Iyailu Moses, and retired United Air Force Veteran Gerald D. Givens, Jr., First Vice President, Raleigh-Apex Branch National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). A scene from the play will be performed by two of the actors, and the panel discussion will be moderated by JTP Board member Marcia Mattox. Free and open to the public.

Friday, Oct 13 - 8:00 pm show Meet the Cast! Opening Night Reception in the lobby after the show. Free.

Saturday, Oct 14, 8:00 pm show 7:00 pm Pre-show discussion “Black Soldiers, Black Citizens: A History of African Americans and the Military. ” by Dr. Adriane D. Lentz-Smith, Associate Professor, Duke University History Department. Discussions are free and open to the public. The 8pm performance requires a ticket.

Sunday, Oct 15, 3:00 pm show $14 Admission Day. Students $10

Saturday, Oct 21, 8:00pm Show 7:00 pm Pre-show Discussion with Charles Knight, Military Curator, NC Museum of History “Men of Color, to Arms! African American Soldiers in the U.S. Military.” Discussions are free and open to the public. The 8pm performance requires a ticket.

Sunday, Oct 22, 3:00 pm show Free childcare provided by SeedArtShare. Child must be potty trained. Reservations required.

Sunday, Oct 29, 3:00 pm show Audio Description for the visually impaired. Visually impaired patron and driver admitted for free. Reservations required.