A powerful new musical play to remember the Freedom Riders
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ill-fated Freedom Ride that saw men and women incarcerated at the dawn of the Civil Rights era, this brand-new play (by playwright Mike Riley) with music sets out to tell the stories of those who participated in a public stand for rights - and paid a heavy price. Directed by Patricia McGregor and based on first-hand accounts, we find out how those imprisoned in Mississippi's infamous Parchman Farm Penitentiary whilst awaiting trial whiled away the terrifying hours by creating their own entertainment through a variety show; The Parchman Hour.
The story of the Freedom Riders in 1961 still holds much relevance to today's social struggles in the light of the Ferguson protests and elsewhere. As their calvacade of public buses traveled to the Deep South to peacefully protest for the rights of black citizens, they were met with shocking violence upon their arrival by local residents and police alike - hundreds were arrested. Rather than posting bail, many of the Riders wound up in a high-security prison; Parchman Farm, which had a fearsome reputation. What happened behind the walls of the prison is a story of resilience, solidarity and inspiring community spirit.
