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South High Students Suheily Gomez, Ashley O’Connor, and Quitoria McGregor will perform in the upcoming Black History Play “Blood at the Root” on February 4 and 5.
Students at South High School in Downers Grove will perform the play “Blood at the Root” by Dominique Morrisseau for Black History Month. There will be two performances, on February 4 and 5, at 7 p.m.
Tickets prices are $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students without a District 99 Student ID. Students with a District 99 ID are free. NOTE: The content of this play is labeled “mature,” due to adult language and themes.
The play is based on the true story of the Jena Six–six Black students in Louisiana who were initially charged with attempted murder for a school fight after being provoked with nooses hanging from a tree on campus.
“Through the use of acting, rapping and stepping, this play speaks to the world Black Americans - especially our students - live in and are fighting to change for the better,” says Nathaniel Haywood, South High English teacher and director of the play. “This play will help our students and audience members better understand the complexities of race, individual freedoms and what justice means when biases have been normalized.”
In addition to Haywood, DGS Staff Member Hunter Evans is serving as Technical Director.
The following students are cast members; please see rehearsal photos here:
Role - Actor Name
Raylynn - Quitoria McGregor
Asha - Suheily Gomez
Deandre - Tekavin Russell
Justina - Jessica Lander
Toria - Ashley O’Connor
Colin - Max Bertrand
Ensemble - Sanyia Henderson, Kaitlyn Phillips, Jadesola Sholebo
Steppers - Moyosore Ashalou, Briyanna Brown, Sanyia Henderson, Lenyha Huddleston, Kaitlin Philips, Reese Robinson, Jadesole Sholebo, Tamira Thomas, Sirah Uwejeyan
Stage Manager - Summer Jarka