In the first Towson University mainstage production from the Department of Theatre Arts in nearly two years, students and audiences will reunite for “Blood at the Root,” an ensemble docudrama examining racial double standards and the miscarriage of justice.
Based on the real-life story of the Jena Six—six Black high school students in Jena, Louisiana, who were charged with attempted murder for a fight in 2006—“Blood at the Root” was written by Dominique Morisseau and is directed by theatre assistant professor Ruben Del Valle.
Del Valle hopes the production, which runs at the TU Center for the Arts Mainstage Theatre Nov. 4–13, enables audiences to experience differing perspectives.
“The thing that drew me to it is that many times, when an event like this occurs, you only get a few sides of the story,” says Del Valle. “And this story gives you multiple experiences. Some you may agree with, some you may connect to and some you may not.”
Originally planned for fall 2020 but postponed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the topics in the production still resonate.
“Most of these students have been waiting for a year and a half, so they’re hungry,” Del Valle says. “They are excited to be back on the stage and to work with their professors and each other to tell an important story.”
Stage manager Jade Eisenacher ’23 agrees.
“The most impactful aspect of working on this production has been having the opportunity to finally be back in a working space with others that share a love for the theatre since COVID-19,” says Eisenacher, a theatre studies major. “Seeing how excited everyone was to rehearse in-person again was truly inspiring.”
GET TICKETS
Blood at the Root
Nov. 5–13 (Preview Nov. 4)
Weds., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.
By Dominique Morisseau, Directed by Ruben Del Valle
In 2006, during a high school assembly, a student asked if he was allowed to sit under “Ol' Devoted,” a grand oak tree in the schoolyard. The answer was a series of disturbing events that exposed our roots. This play is based on a true story. Proceeds benefit the TU Foundation.
Get tickets at tickets.tuboxoffice.com.
Because the subject matter prompts tough conversations, faculty worked with the TU Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity (OIIE) to guide conversations with the cast and crew in productive directions.
“The most impactful experience of working on ‘Blood at the Root’ so far has been how open, loving and trusting the cast and crew has been with each other,” says William Kinna ’23, an acting major who is a member of the ensemble. “We deal with heavy topics during the show, but the cast and crew carry the weight equally so no one feels crushed.”
As director, Del Valle prioritized students’ mental health.
“He never lost sight of the well-being of the students while still directing with clear goals and organization,” Eisenacher says. “It has been an honor to work with him.”
In coordination with the Center for Student Diversity and OIIE, talkback sessions will be offered immediately following the performances on Friday, Nov. 5, and Thursday, Nov. 11.
Working with a Black director on a show that emphasizes Black experiences was an impactful experience for students—especially students of color.
“Having a talented, devoted Black creative like Ruben host such an inclusive space with this process is simply dope,” says Lenox Kamara ’23, a theatre studies major who plays Justin in the production.
Working on the production has proven to students the power of theatre to tell diverse perspectives and make difficult topics more approachable.
“I’m learning that as theatre artists, we have the ability to do more than entertain. We can elevate and evoke change through the characters and stories,” adds Kamara, who transferred to TU in fall 2021. “I love how contemporary theatre gives us the platform to tell new stories with such diverse perspectives, especially as a growing Black, queer artist myself.”
Not only are students learning from their characters, they are also learning from each other.
“Justin, like myself, is a complex character that isn’t typically seen in theater, so bringing him to life really highlights the grayness that comes with racial issues and perspectives,” adds Kamara. “I’ve been able to see each character and their experiences as something worth being heard and understood.”
Students also bring technical training from the theatre department to the production while honing new skills, such as working with dialect coach Teresa Spencer, assistant professor of theatre, on a Louisiana accent.
“I have put so much of my education toward this role,” says Danielle Kellner ’21, an acting major who plays the role of Asha. “I have spent a ton of time working on the deep moments that have caused Asha to be who she is now, dropped myself into a new movement style to feel more in her body and used our wonderful dialect coach’s teachings to really perfect my Louisiana accent.”
The small group of students making up the cast and crew formed tight bonds.
“I already knew that every part in theatre is important, however this production really opened my eyes to the true magnitude everyone’s role has on and off stage,” adds Corinne Onley ’23, an acting and electronic media and film double major who is a member of the ensemble.
During one rehearsal, students spent time learning about the history of the Jena Six. They hope the production can serve as a more approachable way for members of the audience to talk about difficult issues.
“I hope audiences acknowledge the mirrors and windows that ‘Blood at the Root’ provides through its characters, conflicts and themes,” Kamara says. “The real work starts when the show is over.”
For more arts and culture events from the College of Fine Arts & Communication, visitevents.towson.edu.
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