Orlando, FL – The Valencia College Theater will host the world premiere of a new docudrama, “Division: The Trayvon/Jordan Project” in the Valencia East Campus Black Box Theater, in a limited engagement from Feb. 11 to 16.
As part of a yearlong project between multiple theaters and producers in Central Florida, Valencia College Theater is presenting this docudrama, a form of documentary theater. The play, which was developed by Valencia’s theater department, pivots around the deaths of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., and Jordan Davis in Jacksonville, Fla.
After conducting more than 100 hours of interviews, theater students working in a special class created the docudrama, which explores the reaction to the events, the impact, fallout and legacy, as well as what “Division” means to American society today. Using the reactions and words of many individuals – lawyers, media personalities, political activists, professors, students and people intimately involved in the two tragedies — the play explores a wide variety of topics, including stereotypes, raising a child in today’s society, guns, media, as well as the gulf between division and change.
The play was written by John DiDonna, chair of Valencia’s theater department, in collaboration with students William Adkins, Aidan Bohan-Moulton, Carolyn Ducker, Phillip Edwards, Nathan Jones, Anneliese Moon, Elina Moon, Stelson Telfort and Michael Sabbagh.
The production will be accompanied by photos taken by Michael Gavin of Jacksonville, along with a series of photos taken during the protests, marches and trials by photojournalist Barry Kirsch. The photographs will be projected onto a screen onstage, as the actors perform in front of it.
Performances will be held Feb. 11 through Feb. 16 (which is the birthday of Jordan Davis and “Jordan Davis Day” in Jacksonville, where the events occurred). The play will be staged in the Black Box Theater, located in Building 3 on Valencia’s East Campus.
Because of the social and cultural importance of this play, as well as the college’s commitment to community and audience engagement, a talk-back with the director/writers and cast will be held after each performance of the play. In addition, three “graffiti walls” will be erected in the theater so audience members can write their reactions. The play will also be videotaped and shared on YouTube.
General admission tickets cost $12. Senior citizens, Valencia faculty, staff and students may purchase tickets for $10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.valenciacollege.edu/arts.
Tickets and more information are also available by calling the college box office at 407-582-2900.
Anita S. Wooten Art Gallery Hosting a Special Exhibition:
To coincide with the play, the Anita S. Wooten Gallery at Valencia College East Campus will host “Lost Sons of America,” from Jan. 30 through Feb. 27. The exhibit features photographs from the archives of the Associated Press and the Florida Times Union, which document the events surrounding the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis and Michael Brown. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will also be open from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on the evenings of performances (Feb. 11-14 and Feb. 16) and on Feb. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information on the gallery and the exhibition, call 407-582-2298 or 407-582-2268.
WHAT: “Division: The Trayvon/Jordan Project”
A World Premiere Docudrama
WHO: The Valencia College Theater
Written and Directed by John DiDonna
Written in collaboration with Valencia students
William Adkins, Aidan Bohan-Moulton, Carolyn Ducker, Phillip Edwards, Nathan Jones, Anneliese Moon, Elina Moon, Stelson Telfort,
Michael Sabbagh.
WHEN: Only 6 Performances
Feb 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Feb 15 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Building 3, Black Box Theater
Valencia College East Campus, Performing Arts Center
701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL.
TICKETS: $12 general admission
$10 for Valencia students, faculty, staff and senior citizens
Box Office: 407-582-2900
Online: www.valenciacollege.edu/arts
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