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November 8, 2000

DH-00-TW-228

Contact: Tim Woodhull

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

California State University, Dominguez Hills to dramatize true story about freed slaves who rebuilt their lives and helped shape the American West

California State University, Dominguez Hills will present Pearl Cleague’s "Flyin’ West," a play about former slaves who moved West to reconstruct their lives after the Civil War, in the Edison Studio Theater.

Directed by Donis Leonard, lecturer, Theater Arts, the drama is set in 1896 and tells the story of several African American women who settled in Nocodemus, Kansas — the only western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the war.

These women braved problems ranging from the bitterly-cold, long winters to the continuing specter of racial conflict. In fact, Nicodemus played such a crucial role in the evolution of America that Congress established the Nicodemus National Historic Site to help preserve its history.

Presented by the Department of Theatre Arts and the Division of Performing and Digital Media Arts at CSU Dominguez Hills, show times are 8 p.m. on November 17, November 18, December 1 and December 2; and, 2:30 p.m. on November 19, December 2, and December 3.

In addition, "Flyin’West" will be presented in 2001, with show times at 8 p.m. on February 9 and 10, and 2:30 p.m. on February 11.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for students, and $6 for groups of 10 or more persons.

The Edison Studio Theater is located on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills, at 1000 East Victoria Street, Carson.

Further information and reservations can be obtained by contacting the CSUDH Theatre Box Office at (310) 243-3589.

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