Hip-hop Artist Will Power Leads UM-Flint Students in Original Production

The City of Flint has a wealth of stories to tell. The University of Michigan-Flint Department of Theatre and Dance production, The Flint Project, attempts to dissect, deconstruct, and develop those stories for the stage.

Cast member Louise Parham of Mt. Morris hopes that audience members will come away, "…with a deeper understanding of things they've heard about Flint, but not seen." She adds, "It'll give people something to talk about."

The Flint Project is an original theatre production created by students under the direction of UM-Flint's Myron and Margaret Winegarden Visiting Professor, Will Power.

Power is a nationally acclaimed playwright, hip-hop artist, actor and activist. This original production uses elements of dance, hip-hop, satire, fantasy and other theatrical styles to reflect the authentic urban experiences – past and present – that are fueling the future of the Flint community.

The Flint Project can be seen at the UM-Flint University Theatre on November 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:30 p.m. and on November 11, 18 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $8 for students and seniors. They can be purchased by calling the UM-Flint Theatre Box Office at (810) 237-6520.

Performers include Jessica Back of Flint, Keely A. Brown of Swartz Creek, TJ Corbett of Saint Clair Shores, Josh Clark of Clio, Samantha Hogan of Flint, Louise Parham of Mt. Morris, Algie Ramey of Flint, and Mike St. Cyr of Swartz Creek.

Audience Advisory: The Flint Project contains graphic adult content, explicit language and smoking. It is not recommended for those under 18 years of age.

Press release provided by: Janet Haley, Assistant Professor Department of Theatre and Dance University of Michigan-Flint
Photo by: Stephen Landon