By Gina Marie Rodriguez & Dave Tavani, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 06/27/2024
New Jersey history is at the helm of the newly commissioned play by Premiere Stages. Thanks to the Liberty Live commissions series, a unique partnership with Kean University's Liberty Hall Museum, Premiere Stages seeks to produce new plays that celebrate New Jersey's rich and diverse history.
"STILL" is based on true events in 1850s New Jersey wherein Peter has arrived at an abolitionist office seeking help from its director, William, an African American leader in the Underground Railroad. As the two men learn more about each other’s lives, they realize their vastly different pasts will lead them to a deeply connected future.
Jersey Arts speaks with the cast and creatives behind the world premiere play, "Still" at Kean University.
Premiere Stages at Kean, Union, NJ | July 11 - 28, 2024. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.
Dave Tavani is a freelance videographer and still photographer based in the Philadelphia area. In recent years, Dave has worked on a variety of projects, mostly for nonprofit and arts organizations. In addition to JerseyArts.com, he works on video projects for McCarter Theatre Center, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Visit Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and ArtPride New Jersey.
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