Purdue News

April 2, 1999 Peer pressure leads to tragedy in BCC spring play WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The New Directional Players presents its spring production "The Mighty Gents" at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 11, in Fowler Hall, Stewart Center, as part of the Black Cultural Center's 1998-99 Cultural Arts Series at Purdue University. Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for nonstudents, and may be purchased the afternoon of the show at the Loeb Box Office. "The Mighty Gents," by playwright Richard Wesley, is the story of black gang members who were proud, feared, and sure of their futures as youths. Now, at age 30, the members are unemployed and bitter, and they are attempting to revive the gang. Back together again, the gang attempts one final raid that ends in tragedy. Variety magazine described the Broadway rendition of this play as "a vivid and sobering drama, passionately written and eloquently acted." "I'd like to think this production will assist young men and women in making choices for the future," said Don Burrus, artist-in-residence for The New Directional Players and the play's director. "This play should provide some insight on how young people join forces to either assist or destroy dreams they have for a better life." The New Directional Players are one of the BCC's four student performing arts ensembles. The drama group is devoted to presenting thought-provoking subject matter related to the black experience. Since its inception in 1971, the players have performed pieces written by the master of black theater along with original productions by young black playwrights. CONTACT: Lucas, (765) 494-3095; hslucas@hfs.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page