Kuntu Repertory Theatre Continues Its Season with "Killing Me Softly" and "Sun Rising on the Hill District," March 21-April 6

March 11, 2002

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh's internationally renowned Kuntu Repertory Theatre continues its 2002 spring season dedicated to mystery dramas with two plays running in repertory on separate dates between March 21 and April 6.

The two productions are "Killing Me Softly," written by Gloria J. Browne, and the world premiere of "Sun Rising on the Hill District," by Rob Penny, associate professor of Africana Studies at Pitt and Kuntu Playwright-in-Residence.

According to Kuntu Founder and Artistic Director Vernell A. Lillie, "Killing Me Softly" occurs in a prestigious African American law firm, which has several "dynamic and power-driven" attorneys. "'Killing Me Softly,' through the murder of the founder and senior member of the firm, explores the raw ambition, jealousies, and class stratification within the corporate world," she said. This play by Browne, who also is a civil rights attorney living in New York City, previously was performed at the Billie Holiday Theatre in Brooklyn, N.Y.

"Sun Rising on the Hill District" is the story of a young professional woman who runs away from her abusive husband, leaving behind two young children. In Pittsburgh, she finds friendship, love, and danger.

Ricardo Pitts Wiley of the Providence Black Repertory Theatre directs both plays. His directing credits include "Dreaming the Differential" at the Providence Black Repertory Theatre; "Night Voices" at the North Carolina Black Repertory Theatre; "Morning, Noon, and Night" at Marquis Public Theatre in San Diego, Cal.; "The Emperor Jones" in Providence, R.I.; and "An African Odyssey" at the National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina.

Performances are held Thursdays through Sundays in the Seventh-Floor Auditorium of Alumni Hall (formerly the Masonic Temple), 4227 Fifth Avenue in Oakland.

"Sun Rising on the Hill District" will be performed March 21-23 and April 6 at

8 p.m., March 24 at 4 p.m., and April 4 at 11 a.m. "Killing Me Softly" will run March 28-30 and April 4-5 at 8 p.m. and March 31 at 4 p.m.

For ticket and group sales information, call 412/624-7298 or visit www.kuntu.org. Student and senior discounts are available.

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