From the Mississippi Delta-FAMU Goes to Scotland!

Earlier this spring, the Florida A&M University Essential Theatre presented the stage play, From the Mississippi Delta. Written by scholar and dramatist, Endesha Ida Mae Holland,Ph.D., the autobiographical play chronicles her life and experiences from living in poverty in the Jim Crow South up to receiving her Ph.D. Starring Jewelisia Fagg, Sarah Lubin, Jessica Raquel Allen and Kenya Williams, the cast of From the Mississippi Delta has the amazing opportunity to perform the play during the International Collegiate Theatre Festival Fringe in Scotland. Serving as cultural ambassadors, this will make FAMU the first HBCU to participate in the event.

Directed by Anedra Small, From the Mississippi Delta allowed for Anedra to reminisce about the treasured moments and stories that she was able to gather from her grandmother while growing up. “Working on this play was both healing and exciting. I felt reconnected to my grandmother, and I could feel it through each story within the play. I remember sitting with my grandmother, and she would tell me all her stories, and I truly treasure that. I feel like as we move and progress, sometimes our stories are lost, and it’s so important that we hang on to those because its who we are. They’re precious, precious memories, and if we don’t know where we came from, how do we know where we’re going. This play meant a lot to me and these ladies did absolutely amazing.”

There were many examples of perseverance and strength which were seen throughout this play.  The cast shared how they were able to relate to, connect with and grow from the true life stories they re-enacted. “It was a great opportunity to have a part in telling these stories. At times it was challenging to jump from character to character, but we worked to be as honest and true as we could for each character to and story,” Sarah shares.

“From the Mississippi Delta gives me the motivation to keep going in spite of obstacles and challenges. It teaches you that even though you go through things, you can still come out and own the revolution,” says Jewelisia.

“This play has taught me that as a black woman, I’m allowed to be unapologetically complex. I think a lot of times there are stigmas attached to or put on us. It reminded me to just allow myself to live, and if you see it as a stereotype, that’s you. I am me,” shared Jessica.

You can attend “From the Mississippi Delta” benefit performances in Tallahassee, Florida on July 26th and 27th at the Charles Winter Wood Theatre. Come out and experience the show as it will be performed at the International Collegiate Theatre Festival at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  Seating is limited.  For more information and to make a contribution, visit www.famu.edu and click on the ‘Essential Theatre Strikes in Scotland’ button, or call 850.561.2425.

 

 

Benefit Performances
July 26 – 27, 2018
Charles Winter Wood Theatre | Edmonds Stage
Thursday | 8 p.m.
Friday | 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Admission: $25 Adults; $10 Students/Children