Fall Production

  • Student performing Chalk Circle
  • Chalk Circle play been performed by FMU students
  • Students on set of Chalk Circle
  • Cropped photo of Chalk Circle performer

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

by Bertolt Brecht
directed by A. Glen Gourley

October 20-23, 1999
Fine Arts Theatre
Hyman Fine Arts Center
Francis Marion University

THE STORY:
The play is about the struggle between two women, Grusha (Marcia Kunkel) and the Governor’s wife (Kate Corea), who both claim to be the mother of the same child. The play also concerns Azdak (David Martinez), a crazy, larger-than-life peasant, and how he becomes the judge in the case of the child with two mothers. A cast of 30 rounds out the village trying to raise a child.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle is under the direction of assistant professor A. Glen Gourley, assisted by Rachel Jebaily. Scenic design is provided by associate professor David C. Granath, costume design by assistant professor Amy L. Sherwood, with Granath designing lighting.

Winter Production

  • Cover of A Raisin in the Sun
  • Two performers on set of A Raisin in the Sun
  • Students performing A Raisin in the Sun
  • Students performing A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun

by Lorraine Hansberry
directed by D. Keith Best

February 23-26, 2000
Fine Arts Theatre
Hyman Fine Arts Center
Francis Marion University

THE STORY:
This groundbreaking play starred Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeill, Ruby Dee and Diana Sands in the Broadway production which opened in 1959. Set on Chicago’s South Side, the plot revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis and matriarch Lena, called Mama. When her deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, Mama dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighborhood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans, however: buying a liquor store and being his own man. Beneatha dreams of medical school.

The tensions and prejudice they face form this seminal American drama. Sacrifice, trust and love among the Younger family and their heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration. Winner of the NY Drama Critic’s Award as Best Play of the Year, it has been hailed as a “pivotal play in the history of the American Black theatre” by Newsweek and “a milestone in the American Theatre” by Ebony.

THE CAST:
Ruth Younger: Shemekia Nero
Travis Younger: Jared Glover
Walter Lee Younger: Rodrick Belton
Beneatha Younger: Samieka Gambrell
Lena Younger (Mama): Pauline Holmes
Joseph Asagai: George M boykin
George Murchison: Patrick Grant
Bobo: Carlos Baxley
Karl Lindner: Christopher Wilcox

The play is under the direction of assistant professor D. Keith Best, assisted by Darlene Granada and David Martinez. Scenic design is provided by associate professor David C. Granath, costume design by assistant professor Amy L. Sherwood, with Granath designing lighting.

Spring Production

  • Student on the floor during FMU's production of All Timing
  • Students performing All Timing
  • Performer on stage, behind a table, during All Timing
  • Performers on stage during All Timing

All in the Timing

by David Ives
directed by Amy Sherwood

April 12-15, 2000
Fine Arts Theatre
Hyman Fine Arts Center
Francis Marion University

THE STORY:
All in the Timing is a series of 6 comedic one acts, all of which deal with how timing affects our lives.

Included in the cast will be Greg Williams, Sarah Thorowgood, Jessica Willis, David Martinez, CJ Miller, Kelly Smith, Kendall Kiker, Jason Abernathy, Zakia Pereria, Erin Holladay, Dawn Alex, Kyle Rea, Charles Julg, Kathy Jeffords, Rob Jones, Colleen Thorndike, Andy Matthews, Melissa Long, Aubrey Phillips, Brent Ard, Christen Gilbert, Dallas Rabon, Stephen Spratt, Teneika Brannon.

The play is under the direction of Amy Sherwood, assistant professor of theatre-costume design, assisted by senior theatre major Laura Fitzsimmons. Scenic and lighting design is provided by associate professor David C. Granath, costume design by senior theatre major Darlene Granada.