Fresno State’s University Theater is raising the curtain again with its second show of the season. Native Son, written by Nambi E. Kelley and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis is gracing the stage now through November 4 at the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre. Inspired by Richard Wright’s novel, “Native Son” helped change race relations in America during the mid-20th century.
The story takes place in the South Side of Chicago in the 1930s — a time and place where opportunity is elusive for people like Bigger Thomas. After landing a job in the home of a wealthy family, Bigger unwittingly unleashes a series of events that violently and irrevocably seal his fate. Using W.E.B. DuBois’ theory of double consciousness as a grounding point, this adaptation of “Native Son” focuses on the landscape inside the mind of Bigger Thomas, bringing the power of Wright’s novel to life for a new generation.
The cast includes Fresno State students Torry Allen, Arium Andrews, Ben Garcia, Jimmy Haynie, Desiree Houston, Teya Juarez, Emily Kearns, Alexis Myles, Chlorissa Prothro, Joshua Slack and Jalen Stewart.
Tickets are $17 for adults; $15 for Fresno State faculty, staff, alumni and military; and $10 for students. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. Box office hours are noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays and one hour before each performance.
For more information, contact the box office at 559.278.2216 or universitytheatre@csufresno.edu.