World premiere of ‘Mitchelville’ comes to local stage

A play born on Hilton Head Island and based on the island’s long-ago history, “Mitchelville” will make its world premiere March 16 on the same island. Additional performances continue through March 26.

When a young man tries to save his Gullah family home, he dives into the history of his family lineage, the Civil War, and the first town of Black freedmen in America. “Mitchelville” is a story about learning from the past, saving for the future, and keeping a tradition going.

Written by Aurin Squire (television’s “Evil,” “The Good Fight,” “This is Us”) and directed by Cezar Williams, “Mitchelville” features Malik Ali, Reginald Barnes, Nate Entz, Trevor Latez Hayes, Philip Kershaw, Lean Ensemble member Katherine Nora Leroy Lawson and Courtney Thomas.

The play was commissioned by Lean Ensemble Theater.

A preview performance will be held March 16 at 7:30 p.m., with additional 7:30 p.m. performances March 17-18 and 23-25, and 2 p.m. matinees March19 and 26.

Talkbacks will follow the March 17, 19, 24 and 26 performances.

Tickets are available at leanensemble. org, or by calling 843-715-6676 or emailing info@leanensemble.org.

Student, first responder and active military discounts and group rates available. Rush tickets go on sale at the box office 30 minutes prior to a performance. Visit leanensemble.org for up-to-date information.