A reading in tribute to Artist-in-Residence Woodie King Jr.

As a tribute to Emerson’s 2010 Artist-in-Residence Woodie King Jr., the College’s Department of Performing Arts will present a staged reading of Court Martial at Fort Devens by Jeffrey Sweet Monday, April 26, at 7:00 pm at the Semel Theater in Emerson’s Tufte Performance and Production Center.

Hailed as “the Renaissance Man of Black Theatre,” King is the founder and artistic director of the renowned New Federal Theatre in New York City. A pioneer of theatre, King is a director, actor, playwright, screenwriter, television scriptwriter, essayist, short story writer, and consultant.

Based on a true story about U.S. military race relations during World War II, Court Martial at Fort Devens explores the complexities of standing up for one’s rights.

Directed by Emerson Department of Performing Arts Professor and OBIE Award winner Robbie McCauley, professional and student actors will perform the reading. Actors include: Daniel Noel (AEA), Amelia Broome (AEA), and Jacqui Parker (AEA) with Lucinda Harris, Marvelyn McFarland, and David Curtis.

Following the reading, King will speak about the current state of developing new works for the American theatre, discuss the values that attracted him to this play, and introduce the playwright. There will also be an audience discussion session and reception with the producer, playwright, director, and cast.