Pierce College’s Theater Department will be showing “The Exonerated” beginning March 23 in the Temporary Performing Arts Center.
The play is a drama based on the true story of six people sentenced to death for crimes they did not commit, and only freed years later. The award-winning drama was written by Eric Jensen and Jessica Blank.
The successful play is adapted from several interviews, case files, and other documents, and since opening in New York in 2000 has been performed across the country.
The play highlights the flaws of the criminal justice system by focusing on five men and one woman who were wrongfully put on death row, only to be exonerated after spending varying years in prison.
For Valorie Grear, the director of the play, the story behind the play resonates with her, having come from Memphis and seeing the controversial imprisonment of the West Memphis Three in 1994.
Those events, she said, influenced her stance against the death penalty and her decision to direct the play.
Besides the message behind the play, the racial diversity present in both the play and the cast at Pierce also steered her interest towards doing the play.
“It’s a great acting opportunity for a multiracial cast,” she said.
The actors at Pierce have taken great strides to immerse themselves into their roles, with many poring over documentaries and articles about their respective characters.
Chase Fulton, who will be portraying Kerry Max Cook, said that the biggest challenge behind playing his character is stepping into the shoes of man 15 years older than him who’s suffered so much. To prepare himself, he has read the memoir of the real figure, in attempt to familiarize himself with the traumatic experiences of the character.
On the other hand, Cody Bailey, the actor playing the role of David Keaton, has purposely not delved as much into his character’s life.
“It’s not about finding out about the character, but finding out how you’re going to play him,” he said.
His character is typically portrayed as a sad, gentle, and spiritual figure in the play, and Bailey wishes to focus and expand on that. He often sits in front of the mirror and “going over and over [his] lines,” he said.
Putnam believes that the smaller venue the play will be shown at is perfect for the atmosphere of the play.
“The Exonerated” will open Friday, March 23, at 8 p.m., and finish Sunday, April 1 at 2 p.m. in the Temporary Performing Arts Complex near Mason Avenue and Parking Lot 7. Tickets will be priced at $12 for students and seniors and $15 for general admission.
Show Times:
March 23 at 8 p.m.
March 24 at 8 p.m.
March 25 at 2 p.m.
March 30 at 8 p.m.
Saturday March 31 at 8 p.m.
April 1 at 2 p.m.
Contributing: Martin Torres