Frederick Douglass: Reflections on a Struggle for Freedom

Date of Release: 01/06/2005

Adaptation and Direction by Sandra M. Mayo Featuring Cyrus Cassells as Douglass
January 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.
January 23 at 2 p.m.
Texas State University-San Marcos
Studio Theatre, Theatre Center
San Marcos, Texas


Frederick Douglass The Theatre and Dance Department’s Ethnic Theatre Workshop presents the compelling historical drama Frederick Douglass: Reflections on a Struggle for Freedom. The play is an adaptation from Douglass’ memoirs and speeches by Dr. Sandra Mayo, Director of Multicultural and Gender Studies and Associate Professor of Theatre. The one-act one-man show, featuring the English Department faculty member Cyrus Cassells as Douglass, highlights the life and thought of Frederick Douglass who escaped from slavery, taught himself to read and write, and became a revered orator, writer, civil rights activist, newspaper editor, recruiter for the Union army, and statesman.

The Douglass production will end a week of activities celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and kick-off Black History Month. It will tour area high schools in February.

The University performances will take place in the Theatre Department Studio Theatre Friday and Saturday, January 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 23 at 2 p.m. Cyrus Cassells, Associate Professor of English, poet, and actor (Douglass), has performed in several Austin area community theatres and Theatre and Dance Department productions. He is an artistic member of the Austin Shakespeare Festival. Production support is provided by Chris Navarro, graduate theatre major, stage manager, Rebekah Gonzales, undergraduate theatre major, lighting design and technician, and Jennifer Johnson, Administrative Assistant, Multicultural and Gender Studies, graphics, Jillan Hanel, theatre alumna, costumes, and Dr. Naymond Thomas, music professor, vocals.


Sponsors: The production is made possible in part by the Department of History through a U.S. Department of Education Teaching American History grant in partnership with the SMCISD and Hays CISD. Other sponsors are the Department of Theatre and Dance, Center for Multicultural and Gender Studies, and the Texas State student group, Black Men United.

Admission is free for all performances, but a ticket is necessary for entrance. Tickets may be picked up at the Department of Theatre and Dance Office, Room 101. For more information, contact the Center for Multicultural and Gender Studies at 512-245-2361, MCGS@txstate.edu, the Theatre Box Office at 512 245-2204, or the Department of Theatre and Dance at 512-245-2147.