The Winston-Salem State University Friends of the Library (FOL) is presenting its annual evening of fine dining and exquisite entertainment on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. The night will commence with local jazz ensemble King of Hearts providing ’50’s music prior to and during dinner in the McNeil Banquet Hall, and continue with a premier production in Dillard Auditorium.
This year’s WSSU O’Kelly Library presentation, “India’s Story Black Diamonds: The Saga Continues”, is a sequel to last year’s “Black Diamonds” theatrical performance. “India’s Story” provides a look into the life of India, a young African American woman living during the 1950s. Musical selections in the play reflect the time period, including artists such as Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke, Louis Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson. Dr. Mae L. Rodney, Director of the library, wrote the play.
Guests will be transported back in time, where the atmosphere will exude a 1950s appeal. They are invited to don the fashions of the era to contribute to the authentic feel of the event.
Tickets are on sale now. Students will be admitted for $25 each, and general admission tickets are $50 each. A considerable amount of the funds raised during each year’s annual library fundraising event is generated from the playbill advertisements. Businesses, churches, alumni groups and individuals were encouraged to purchase an advertisement to help this worthy cause.
The FOL would also like to encourage more alumni, faculty and friends to contribute $150 or more to the evening and see their names displayed on the donor board at this year’s event. Contributions may be a combination of purchasing tickets, advertisements or a donation. Donations and half of the ticket cost will be deposited in the O’Kelly Library endowment.
People from all areas of India’s Story: Black Diamonds The Saga Continues- from the cast and technical crew to the audience- are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the acclaimed production.
“I always look forward to working with a cast of people in a dramatic setting,” said LaShunda Booker, the role of Rachel. “You become a family when you practice together, mess up together, dramatize together.”
Artistic director Kevin Sloan is excited about directing the production. “Directing is like taking a blank canvas and using the voices as paint to paint a picture to interpret what emotions the composer had when writing the music,” Sloan said.
Even the youth are anxious to attend. Faithful FOL gala guest Barbara Hayes’ 9-year-old grandson Raines asked her when the next gala was going to take place because he was looking forward to it. “I want to go,” he said.
“I love being on stage in front of people! Seeing the people’s faces and letting the audience enjoy the play itself…that’s the main thing,” said Marquie Smith, who is playing the lead role of India. “If I can put a smile on somebody’s face and let them have an enjoyable evening, then my job is done.”