Chester High School Presents Sojourner

Actress Zuhairah McGill

When I first saw Sojourner, the play at the Hedgerow Theatre, I thought it would be a great Black History event for any of the Chester schools to showcase. Little did I know then that meeting with the actress, Zuhairah McGill and her production First World Theatre Ensemble, would actually lead to a showing at Chester High School. I made the request through the Social Studies Department under the leadership of Department Head Farela Howie. I am happy to say we got the approval from the administration. Although my referral did not stop there, I was glad to walk through the process of bringing such a production to the school.

This is the last official day, the last day in February, to celebrate Black History Month. But we should celebrate Black History throughout the year. Chester High School has always celebrated this event with a number of valuable learning experiences, especial through the Social Studies Department. As you walk through the halls, you can see the decorations of all those fantastic projects done by the students. The walls are decorated with different types of Black Historic facts. The scene represents a mini museum with many biographies on display. 

Sojourner is the icing on the cake to top off Black History Month. The play does come with a study guide and was presented as a 40 minute version of the full production in the Chester High School Auditorium. Sojourner is the story of Sojourner Truth, her life from slavery to the Lincoln White House. So if you missed it at the Hedgerow and the other local productions recently, this was another opportunity to see it. The production is not exclusive to Black History Month. The play is available to all those who are interested in presenting it. First World Theatre Ensemble also puts on other productions throughout the year.

At the end of the play, students were given the opportunity for a question and answer period. The audience was very receptive to the play. The Social Studies Department wants to thank all those who participated in bringing the play to the school.  In attendance, from the administration, were Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dexter Davis and Principal Dr. Darla Hammond who introduced the play; and also a special appreciation to Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 413 for funding the event.    

Read the previous postings on the blog:

Sojourner at the Hedgerow

Sojourner at the Hedgerow Theatre

Sojourner at Chester High School

Also read the report in delcotimes.com:

Chester High School presents 'Sojourner' for Black History Month

By Donna Scott-Brown, Special to the Times

http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2011/02/28/entertainment/doc4d6c1e0747b8a977462262.txt