Grambling State University Theatre to present A Lesson Before Dying, by Romulus Linney, based on the novel by Ernest J. Gaines, November 16-18, 2016 in the Recital Hall, located in the Conrad Hutchinson Performing Arts Center.

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Grambling State University is pleased to announce the second show of its 2016-2017 season, A Lesson Before Dying, by Romulus Linney, based on the novel by Ernest J. Gaines. Jefferson, a young man, has been sentenced to die in the electric chair in Bayonne Parish, Louisiana for a murder he didn’t commit. His Godmother, Ms. Emma, has asked his former school teacher, Grant Wiggins, to visit with Jefferson and teach him how to die like a man, not like “a hog” as his white lawyer referred to him. Both men are struggling with understanding why they are there: Jefferson, in jail for doing no wrong, Grant, why he even came back “home” to teach. With the help of each other, and some guidance by others, the two men forge a bond as they both come to understand the simple heroism of resisting—and defying—the expected.

Directed by Mary Fran Crook, production staff includes Production Stage Manager, Quintara Johnson, Set and Light Designer, David Kaul, Sound Designer, Cameron Conerly, Costumer Designers, Ja’Keem Smith and Larrese Wormley and Prop Master, Erica Goode-Perry.

The talented Grambling State cast includes, Adarian Williams as Grant Wiggins, Ibraheem Farmer as Jefferson, Elizabeth Eddy as Emma Glen, Ricky Lewis as Reverend Ambrose, Alle’yah Glenn as Vivian Baptiste. The cast also includes two special guest, Colton Patterson as Sheriff Guidry and Chris Williams as Deputy Paul Bonin, both students at Louisiana Tech University.

Performances dates are November 16-18, 2016 and the show begins at 7pm. Tickets are $1 for children 12 years and younger, $3 for students 13 and older and $5 for general admission. Grambling State students get in free with their student ID (must obtain a ticket at the box office). The box office will open forty-five minutes before performance time. For more information or group reservations, please call Mary F. Crook at 274-2892.

###

Media Contact:
GSU Communications Office
318-274-2866
mediarelations@gram.edu