Down in Mississippi

by Carlyle Brown

Down in Mississippi takes place during the Freedom Summer campaign to register African-Americans to vote in the dangerous, segregated world of Mississippi in 1964. It explores the transformative experiences of three young civil rights activists who leave their safe northern homes in an attempt to change the world; only to discover they must first change themselves. This moving and insightful piece by Carlyle Brown is a celebration of a movement that gave birth to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Down in Mississippi was a co-production of The Living Room Theatre, Kokopelli Theatre, and the William Inge Foundation. It ran April 27th - May 6th 2018 at The Pearl in Kansas City, and then had a special performance at The William Inge Theatre Festival in Independence, Kansas.

“Director Rusty Sneary, utilizing few props on a stark stage (Nicole Jaja’s definitive lighting adds complexity), effectively harnesses the play’s pieces and stages a powerful production.”

- Deborah Hirsch, The Pitch

Gallery below from original run at The Pearl. Stills from video by Brian Paulette.