NOV. 4–13

by Dominique Morisseau

Directed by Ruben Del ValleMainstage Theatre, CA 3043

Department of Theatre Arts

events.towson.educoncordtheatricals.com

Towson University Department of Theatre Arts Presents

Blood at the Rootby Dominique Morisseau

Directed by Ruben Del Valle, Jr.Choreographed by Ruben Del Valle, Jr. in

collaboration with the Cast.Lighting Design by Jaeden Arrington

Lighting Design Mentoring by Jay HerzogScenic Design by Daniel EttingerCostume Design by Julie Potter

Sound Design by Ruben Del Valle, Jr.Dialect Coaching by Teresa SpencerStage Managed by Jade Eisenacher

* This production contains material recommended for mature audiences.

* During this production, some actors will temporarily remove masks. This practice is within protocols established by the Department of Theatre Arts in compliance with TU policy and best practices from professional theatre and limited to department-approved activities. Audience members must remain masked at all times.

Blood at the Root was commissioned by the Penn State School of Theatre, and was first produced by Penn State Centre Stage, Dan Carter, Producing Artistic Director.

The New York Premiere of Blood at the Root was produced by Penn State Centre Stage and presented by Hi-ARTS and the National Black Theatre, Inc.

Blood at the Root is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

For additional information on productions, please visit our website at: www.towson.edu/theatreFor a complete listing of events at Towson University, please visit events.towson.eduIf you would like to share a comment on this production, please e-mail theatre@towson.edu

Director’s NoteLet’s Plant Something New

Welcome back to the TU Department of Theatre Arts’ Mainstage! It’s been a year and a half since we’ve gathered in this space to share stories. Together we faced Covid-19 quarantine, social unrest, and the Tiger King. As a nation, we continued the debate on “Black Lives Matter” vs. “All Lives Matter,” we had stimulating conversations about our Zoom backgrounds and wondered how Carole Baskin’s husband really disappeared? This has been a lot for all of us. What I appreciate about this unique time is that everyone is responding to shared events. We’re finally accepting what we’ve always known; we are indeed connected.

In particular, the conversation around racial inequity and injustice is again at the forefront, and perhaps we are looking at our history more truthfully. Our collective story is littered with seemingly isolated events of civil injustice sparking local and national movements. One of these events inspired Blood at the Root. This play takes place fifteen years ago at a High School in Jena, Louisiana. Students encounter inequities and injustices that soon grow beyond their campus and the Louisiana borders to impact our nation. Some may remember this story. Some of you are learning about it tonight. I believe this play is essential for various reasons, the most important being the impact we all experience in our lives when faced with hate and violence against one another. This hate is layered into our soil. In the play, the character of Colin says it best.

“… Way some people talk the way they talk, or hang out with who they hang out with, or love who they love, or hate who they hate – all got roots. It feel halfway comfortin’ knowin’ it ain’t just start with us. That it been this Way. That somebody’s been plantin’ these awful feelins in the soil somewhere. Long before we came along and started pulling up crops.”

However, we can change our course, stand up to threats and violence of any kind, and make sure that everyone receives justice. The catch is we must do it together. So, let’s work together, let’s heal together, let’s plant something new.

Stay safe, healthy, and enjoy the show!

Ruben Del Valle, Jr.

Special Thanks To OIIE and the Center for Student Diversity for their support of this production. To Jason Wong and Jordanna Peronico for their previous dramaturgical work. To Robyn Quick for the many in-person and Zoom meetings about the work and how we could do it safely. To Michele Alexander for your help with marketing.To Katie and Elena for your help with the program, getting the rights, taking pictures and all the other countless things you do.To the production team for your hours of work and dedication to the students. To the cast and stage managers, “BREEZE!” Thank you for your work and being awesome throughout this process, you should be proud of what we’ve achieved together, I know I am. Finally, to Melissa and Samuel for all your love and support.

Content Disclosure

Blood at the Root

A striking ensemble drama based on the Jena Six; six Black students who were initially charged with attempted murder for a school fight after being provoked with nooses hanging from a tree on campus.This bold new play by Dominique Morisseau (Sunset Baby, Detroit ‘67, Skeleton Crew) examines the miscarriage of justice, racial double standards, and the crises in relations between men and women of all classes and, as a result, the shattering stage of Black family life.

Blood at the Root is based on true events that took place in 2006 at a high school in Jena, Louisiana. This story reminds us of the inequities that still exist in America and we hope that our production brings awareness to our varied experiences when confronted with hate. With a collective awareness let’s plant a new seed and begin again. Can we agree that when one suffers, we all suffer? Blood at the Root contains profanity, sexually charged language, derogatory language, and racially offensive imagery.

In coordination with the Center for Student Diversity and the Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity, talkback sessions will be offered immediately following the performance on Friday, November 5, and Thursday, November 11.

Cast

Ensemble

William Kinna Brooke DonaldNicholas Zuelsdorf Jillian MullinEric Panuela Amaya BlandingJacob Sanchez Corinne OnleyJovan Brooks

Raylynn Dersha HorreyAsha Danielle KellnerToria Mel GabelJustin Lenox KamaraColin Max StoverDe’Andre Paris FosterBeatboxing Artist Dominic Shodekeh Talifero

Understudies

Raylynn Cyan JacksonAsha Gracie Sciannella Toria Anna HerbJustin Myles HamiltonColin Will MemmottDe’Andre Myles Hamilton

Dance Captains

Brooke Donald Jillian Mullin

Characters

Production Crew

Technical Director Anthony RosasAssistant Technical Director Brandon Ingle Assistant Stage Manager Olivia Dibble Lia MeggerCostume Shop Manager Alizon SantamariaAssistant Costume Manager Hannah BrillProperties Manager Thomas SchoppertProperties Assistants Laura Hopkins Phoebe RhoadsMaster Electrician Brandon IngleSound Board Operator Julia HolsappleLight Board Operator Patrick CullinanLight Board Programmer Patrick CullinanDeck Hands Natalie Bolander Lexi TwilleyWardrobe Arianna Costantini Alexis SlacumScenic Painter Daniel EttingerCostume Shop Staff Andrew Coleman Levi Isaac Wynter O’Connor Emma FarleyScene Shop Staff Chet Brown Ryley Gardner Thomas Schoppert

Costume Shop Crew

Scene Construction Crew

Lighting Crew

Brittany Achu Emma BalkoskiRose Baughan Natalie BolanderChet Brown Patrick CullinanKirsten DiBastiani Ruthie DouglasSusan Graham Madison HamelBrynn Handley Karrington HattonMathew Price Max RamsayThomas Schoppert Ryan Seidenman

Maddie Baynard Nicholas FriendKyle Hermary Grady HeveronLaura Hopkins Jillian MullinKieran Newell Wynter O’ConnorCharles Peeples Aniya RobinsonDonte Saccenti Gracie SciannellaNaimah Lewis Phoebe Rhoads

Andrew Coleman Patrick CullinanEmilee Dorey Mel GabelRyley Gardner Julia HolsappleTravon Hutton Shayden JamisonTsvakirai Mutombo Charles PeeplesJordan Pemberton Katherine PendergastRyan Seidenman Lindsay Wilk

THEATRE ARTS FACULTY & STAFF

Hannah Brill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Costume Shopt ManagerTom Cascella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant to the ChairpersonTomi Casciero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professor EmeritusRuben Del Valle, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Movement/ Acting for Musical TheatreDaniel Ettinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scenic DesignJohn Glover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distinguished Visiting Professor of ActingJay Herzog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lighting & Sound Design, Stage ManagementBrandon Ingle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant Technical Director/Master Electrician Tavia La Follette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theatre Studies/Cross-disciplinary WorksNaoko Maeshiba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professor EmeritaJohn Manlove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professor EmeritusStephen Nunns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theories of Theatre/Theatre History/DirectingSusan Picinich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theatre History/ Costume, Dress and SocietyJulie Potter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Costume DesignRobyn Quick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theatre History/Dramaturgy/ChairpersonJuanita Rockwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professor EmeritaAnthony Rosas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technical DirectorAlizon Santamaria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Costume Shop ManagerSteven J. Satta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Voice/ActingMukwae Wabei Siylowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DirectingKatie Simmons-Barth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Academic Program CoordinatorDiane Smith-Sadak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professor EmeritaTeresa Spencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingElena Versényi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Administrative AssistantDavid White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Script Analysis/Playwriting/ThesisPeter Wray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acting/ Shakespeare/ Senior Acting Seminar

ADJUNCT FACULTYJesse Baxter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingDonna Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingCorey Hennessey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingKatherine Hileman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingMallory Kubicek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingDavid Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theatre for Social ChangeDian Perrin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingKyle Prue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingSusan J. Rotkovitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acting/Theatre Studies/ Arts IntegrationTom Shade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theatre StudiesKatie Solomon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acting/ Speech and DialectRohaizad Suaidi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingYury Urnov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingMatthew Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ActingGavin Witt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theatre History

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATIONRegina Carlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DeanGreg Faller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate DeanHeather Sorensen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director, Events and OperationsMichele Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marketing and Public Relations ManagerMarissa Berk-Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant to the Dean

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS DONOR LIST

We are deeply grateful to our donors for investing in Towson University’s College of Fine Arts and Communication. We recognize the following alumni, friends, students, faculty, staff, corporations, foundations and other organizations that supported the college through the Towson University Foundation with annual gifts of $1,000 and above from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

$1,000 to $2,499Beth Marie Arman & Robert M. MintzMarsha Perry Becker ‘99 & Gordon BeckerCurtis H. BehrentGarry R. Bolan ‘75Robert J. Burleigh, Jr.Cynthia A. Cooper & Jody D. Morrison ‘84Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, IncorporatedArno P. Drucker * Ruth L. Drucker Carl L. Fredericks * Judy A. FredericksPatricia A. Kisicki & Donald R. KisickiBeth C. Littrell & Keon W. Littrell ‘98Edward F. McDonald ‘78William C. McNamara ‘94/’98Bonnie J. Montcalmo & Anthony J. MontcalmoBrian K. O’Connell ‘87Susan E. Picinich & Stanley M. Max Devon Pinkett & Stephen Pinkett, Sr.Michele G. Renaud ‘85Allan G. ScottMary F. Shock ‘75The Allan G. Scott Charitable Gift FundThe Romita FundRobin A. Tracy ‘77 & Patrick Tracy ‘76Cyntria M. VinsonBarbara C. Vollmer & Richard VollmerNancy E. Wanich-Romita ‘00 & Victor J. Romita

* Deceased

$25,000-$49,999Steven E. Lane ‘77

$10,000 to $24,999James Muse AnthonyBaltimore County Commission on Arts and SciencesJohn G. DreyerKeith L. Ewancio ‘94/’07Sally G. Heaphy & David P. HeaphyWilliam Murray ‘08/’11PNC BankPNC Financial Services Group

$5,000 to $9,999Linda S. AdamsPeggy & Yale Gordon Charitable TrustIra J. and Mary K. Basler Foundation, Inc.

$2,500 to $4,999Vira Jo DenneyErica Marie Ferguson ‘18Marlyn Setren FergusonAndrea S. Fine & Sam Fine ‘03Allan J. GreenbergWyllyn L. Hoffman ‘76Macben LLCMitzvah Fund for Good DeedsPatrick H. O’Connell, Jr.Stephanie L. Papadopoulos & Nickolas PapadopoulosKathleen Shiota & Yoshinobu ShiotaThe Presser FoundationJoanne P. Vatz ‘78 & Richard E. Vatz

Great care was taken to ensure the accuracy of this listing, and we would appreciate your sharing with us any errors or omissions. Please direct inquiries to Alison Armstrong, Manager of Donor Engagement, at 1-866-301-3375 or aarmstrong@towson.edu.

The Askew Scholarship Endowment Founding Patrons: Theda and Monk Askew

The Audrey Herman Scholarship Endowment Founding Patrons: William Herman Genevieve Nyborg

The Charles S. Dutton Theatre Scholarship Endowment Founding Patrons: Charles S. Dutton 20th Century Fox Film Corporation Home Box Office, Inc.

The Christopher David Legg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Founding Patrons: Catherine Behrent and friends of Christopher Legg

The Cooley Arts Scholarship Endowment Founding Patrons: Franklin & Alice Cooley

The C.R. Gillespie and Maravene S. Loeschke Scholarship Endowment Founding Patrons: Theatre Alumni Group

The Jerry Gietka Graduate Theatre Scholarship Founding Patrons: Jerry & Catherine Gietka and Lynda Ruszala In memory of Bernadette Gietka

The John Glover Scholarship Endowment for Acting Majors Founding Patrons: John Glover Jack and Cade Glover

The Nina E. Hughes Memorial Scholarship Endowment Founding Patron: Nina E. Hughes

The Steve Yeager Scholarship Endowment Founding Patron: Steve Yeager

The Theatre Department Scholarship Endowment Founding Patrons: Purchasers of Mainstage Seats

The Peter Wray Scholarship Endowment Founding Patrons: Robin and Peter Wray

The Walter F. Kramme Scholarship Endowment Founding Patron: Joseph C. Tischer

The Wyllyn ‘76 and Marion ‘74 Hoffman Directing Scholarship Founding Patron: Wyllyn L. Hoffman ‘76

Please consider giving a gift to the Department of Theatre Arts scholarships. The money raised by your generous donations helps students offset the cost of education and sponsor student travel to conferences, auditions for graduate schools, and special events related to their research and development. Checks can be sent directly to: Department of Theatre Arts, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252 and should be made out to Towson University Foundation. Please specify the scholarship you wish to support. Thank you so much for your continued support.

The TU Department of Theatre Arts gratefully acknowledges the following gifts of scholarships:

You can help to build our student scholarship funds by purchasing a seat. If you are interested and want further details, please call Dr. Robyn Quick at (410) 704-2792. You may also fill out the form at the bottom of this page and mail it to Dr. Quick (Department of Theatre Arts, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252-0001) together with your check for $250.00 made payable to Towson University Foundation. Thank you sincerely.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Yes! I would like to contribute to a Theatre Scholarship Endowment and have the name indicated below placed on a seat in the theatre.

Please contact me.

Check enclosed (payable to Towson University Foundation).

Scholarship of Choice

Askew Scholarship Endowment Audrey Herman Scholarship Endowment Charles S. Dutton Theatre Scholarship Endowment Christopher David Legg Memorial Scholarship Endowment C.R. Gillespie and Maravene S. Loeschke Scholarship Endowment The Jerry Gietka Graduate Theatre Scholarship John Glover Scholarship Endowment for Acting Majors Nina E. Hughes Memorial Scholarship Endowment Steve Yeager Scholarship Endowment Theatre Department Scholarship Endowment Graduate Scholarship Endowment Peter Wray Scholarship Endowment Wyllyn ‘76 and Marion ‘74 Hoffman Directing Scholarship

Name Address City State Zip

Telephone No.

Name to be placed on seat plaque:

DONATE TO STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Trauma Resources Continued