"Still...Life. An Exploration of Killing State. North Carolina at The Justice Theater Project

Admission: $10 on 4/28, 4/29 and 5/1.

$25 on Saturday 4/30 for dinner theater and show.
In partnership with the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Name Province.

Written by Deb Royals and members of The Justice Theater Project. “Still…Life” is based on extensive field work and research into the many sides of the people affected by the death penalty in North Carolina.

The first-hand accounts and slides show exactly what takes place at a state-sponsored execution, as well as glimpses into points of view of those that have lost a loved one to murder, and those who have loved someone executed by the state.

A pastor ministering to death row inmates lovingly keeps the handkerchief used to wipe the tears of an executed inmate. A daughter relives the tale of her mother’s murder. A soon to be executed prisoner apologizes to the family of the victim. Told with stark visuals, and with a newly added musical element, this glimpse into the human toll of the death penalty in North Carolina is once again a timely reminder of where we “sit in our state” during the current state wide moratorium.

“Still…Life. An Exploration of a Killing State, North Carolina” Directed by JTP’s Artistic Director Deb Royals. Ensemble includes Vincent Drayton, Jamal Farrar, Lucia Foster, Thom Haynes, Celeste Hinnant, John Honeycutt, Juan Isler and Julie Weber. Stage Manager: Lisa Monroe. Light Design: Tom Wolf. Master Carpenter: Jeffrey Nugent. Properties: Erin Folk. Musician: Fred Wilson.

Events and Discussions Surrounding “Still…Life”:

All discussions are free and open to the public and take place at Umstead Park United Church of Christ. 8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh NC 27617. Shows are $10, Dinner Theater night 4/30 $25.

Thursday, April 28 - 8:00pm show

Friday, April 29 - 6:45 pm discussion. 8:00pm Show. “The State of the Death Penalty in North Carolina.” Bring a bag dinner and take part in a panel discussion facilitated by Dr. Sheila Smith McKoy. Panel includes (but not limited to), Kenneth J. Rose, Senior Staff Attorney at Center for Death Penalty Litigation. Ken has practiced law for 32 years in Mississippi, Georgia and, for the past 24 years, in North Carolina, mostly representing death row inmates. He joined CDPL in 1996 and served as director for 10 years. In 2006, he became a senior staff attorney so he could focus his energy on representing clients. His work on behalf of a wrongly-convicted death row client, Levon Jones, was chronicled in the book “The Last Lawyer” by John Temple. Ken grew up in New Orleans and attended college at the United States Military Academy in West Point and Washington University in St. Louis. He received his law degree from Boston University.

Saturday, April 30 - 6:30pm Dinner and Entertainment. 8:00pm Show. Limited Seating Dinner Theater with Entertainment. Buffet dinner and pre-show entertainment from 6:45 to 7:45. Those over 21 may bring their own wine and beer.

Sunday, May 1 - 1:45pm Discussion. 3:00pm show. “The Death Penalty: Faith Perspectives.” Representatives from different faiths will come together and discuss their community’s perspective regard to the death penalty.