The African American Repertory Theater (AART) marks African-American History Month with Free Man of Color, a drama based on the true story – not previously told -- of the first black man to graduate from one of America’s best-known universities. This production is the regional premiere in North Texas, for Free Man of Color. The play opens on Friday, February 3, and runs through Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the DeSoto Corner Theatre, 211 E. Pleasant Run, DeSoto, Texas. Shows are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
Free Man of Color is an arousing drama based on the true story of John Newton Templeton, the first black man to graduate from Ohio University -- 35 years before the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1863. Templeton, a fascinating but forgotten figure in our history, was a freed slave who was mentored by the white president of the university. We witness his journey in the play, as he learns that freedom comes with great responsibility, and that what awaits him is not as certain as the color of his skin. Winner of the Joseph Jefferson Award for Outstanding New Work when it premiered in Chicago, Free Man of Color challenges us to examine our humanity and reminds us that true freedom comes not from the law, but from taking charge of our destiny.
AART founder, Regina Washington, makes her debut as a director with this production of Free Man of Color. The cast features Christopher Dontrell Piper, Vince Davis and Mary-Margaret Pyeatt; set design by Bob Lavallee; light design by Dave Tenney; costume design by Rhonda Gorman; and sound design by AART founder Vince McGill.
For ticket information, please visit the AART website at www.aareptheater.com, or call (972) 572-0998. AART produces engaging, culturally diverse theater, while educating the community on African American history and the arts. The City of DeSoto has named AART as the resident theater company for the DeSoto Corner Theatre.
