UToledo to Celebrate Juneteenth With Live Theatrical Readings

UToledo to Celebrate Juneteenth With Live Theatrical Readings

The New Works Writers Series and The University of Toledo Africana Studies program will bring the spirit of Juneteenth to the Center for Performing Arts this weekend with two live readings.

"Mojo" and "Watch Night Jubilee" will be the featured plays at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 12-13, in the Studio Theatre. The theatre is located inside the Center for Performing Arts near the Secor Road entrance to Main Campus.

Students, faculty, staff and the community are welcome to attend the performances for a general admission price of $10.

"In recognizing a holiday that commemorates freedom, we wanted to offer Toledo the opportunity to experience great storytelling, acting and the celebrating of Black culture at a minimal cost," said Dr. Imelda Hunt, founder and artistic director of New Works Writers Series.

First observed primarily in the South, the Juneteenth federal holiday, which falls on June 19, marks the date when America's last enslaved community, which hadn't been informed about the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, was notified by Union Army soldiers of its freedom. Juneteenth is celebrated in much of the nation through parades, concerts, cookouts and other traditions.

"As a theatrical organization with a history of preserving the work and contributions of the African Diaspora throughout the year, New Works Writers Series is always eager to bring art to the stage," Hunt said. "The Department of Africana Studies is a natural partner for Juneteenth's commemoration."

Visitor parking payment is required for the Friday performance, while parking is free after 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more details and to pay for Friday parking, visit the ParkUToledo website.