On March 27, 2019, New Stage Theatre presented a performance of If Not Us, Then Who? Freedom Rides to Freedom Summer at Sunflower County Freedom Project in Sunflower, as part of the New Stage Theatre Arts-in-Education statewide touring program.
The company also provided a Theatre 101 workshop for the students. If Not Us, Then Who? was performed for 17 9th to 12th grade students at 10 a.m. This performance and workshop were sponsored by Entergy Power Play.
This original play with music chronicles two historic events that made an unforgettable impact on American history and Mississippi. In 1961, thirteen “Freedom Riders” began a journey to fight racial segregation. In 1964, Mississippians and out-of-state volunteers alike organized “Freedom Summer”, a massive voter registration drive to give African Americans a voice in politics.
Interspersed with freedom songs from the movement, this production encourages us to remember that America is at her best when we are working for the common good of all of its citizens.
Featuring stories from famous participants like Fannie Lou Hamer and Senator John Lewis, as well as lesser-known heroes like James Zwerg, and Diane Nash, this play recounts the lives of these brave folks whose bold actions continue to inspire us all.
If Not Us, Then Who? is best suited for middle and high school audiences and is available for performances beginning January 23, 2019 through May 10, 2019.
Directed by Sharon Miles, education director at New Stage, If Not Us, Then Who? is performed by New Stage’s Professional Apprentice Company members Cherry Rendel, Hayden Schubert, Sarah Coleman, and Jordan Williams.
New Stage Theatre is Mississippi’s professional not-for-profit theatre. Winner of the 2019 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Theatre, the education program tours throughout Mississippi and has a strong reputation for presenting entertaining and educational shows that elevate students’ literary knowledge and problem solving skills.
The New Stage Arts-in-Education touring program is sponsored by Entergy Mississippi, The Selby and Richard McRae Foundation, The Chisholm Foundation, and the Fountain Family Foundation.
