EMU Today

YPSILANTI - Eastern Michigan University Theatre’s presentation of Gloria Bond Clunie’s thought-provoking and award-winning play “North Star” will feature talkbacks with the author following the Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 performances.

Performances will take place in the Sponberg Theatre on Feb. 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 at 7 p.m. and on Feb. 9 & 16 at 2 p.m.  Audience talkbacks with the company members and author, Gloria Bond Clunie, will immediately follow the performances on Thursday, Feb.13 and Friday, Feb. 14.

All performances will take place in the Sponberg Theatre, located in the Quirk Dramatic Arts Building at the intersection of East Circle Drive and Best Hall/Ann Street on EMU’s campus. A profound glimpse into racial tension and the power of personal choice, this production is suggested for audiences ages 12+.

Gloria Bond Clunie is an award-winning playwright, educator and director. She is a founding member of the Playwriting Ensemble at Chicago’s Regional Tony Award-winning Victory Gardens Theater where her plays North Star, Living Green and Shoes premiered and the founding Artistic Director of Evanston’s Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. Other works include Sweet Water Taste, Smoke, Blu, Quark, Buck Naked, Bankruptcy, #LoveStories inspired by Black Lives Matter, and more.

North Star tells the story of Relia, an African-American girl, as she searches for her personal space to shine in a society intent on keeping her in the shadows. The play is set against the backdrop of the 1960’s North Carolina civil rights struggles where Relia’s parents clash about whether to warn her of, or shield her from escalating racial violence. Relia in turn strives to stay true to her own inner light while confronting the harshness of the world. With this, Clunie offers audiences a profound glimpse into the power of personal choice. North Star received the AATE’s Distinguished Play Award, Chicago’s JEFF Award for Best New Play, and the Theodore Ward Prize for African American Playwriting.

Ticket prices for North Star are $18 regular admission, $14 for Seniors (60+), and $12 for students & MAINSTAGE patrons. Tickets are available in person at the Convocation Center, Student Center ticket office or the Quirk Box Office, by phone at 734.487.2282, and online at www.emutix.com. Quirk Box Office hours are Monday-Friday from 1-5:30pm and 90 minutes before showtime. Please note that there is an additional surcharge for tickets purchased by mail, phone or online.

For more information about EMU Theatre, the current season, and directions to the theatres, visit www.emich.edu/emutheatre.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.