“Freedom Summer” written by Ricardo Khan, Denise Nicholas and Sibusiso Mamba and directed by Ricardo Khan
When the hate and inhumanity of man against man makes it seem sometimes like the bad guys and bullies are winning, don’t fret. For there are always some who will stand up in the face of it, and with courage, love and a belief that we are better than that, prove the best of who we truly are. In the summer of 1964, groups of college students, black and white together from across America, gave up their summer vacations, their sense of comfort and safety, and travelled south into the very mouth of one of the most frightening, racist places imaginable at that time, Mississippi, where black Americans were being systematically terrorized and intimidated out of their right to vote, and good people were being killed just for trying to help. That summer, Mississippi burned and the country saw and bore the spiritual cost. But because of the efforts of these brave and beautiful young people, the light in us prevailed and history was made. And in the process, united for a cause greater than themselves, they also found joy, love, and music. Freedom Summer.
The production will preview May 4 – 8, open May 9 and run through May 13 at Spencer Theatre, Olson PAC.
https://www.broadwayworld.com/kansas-city/article/UMKC-Theatre-Announces-2017-18-Season-20170825
