Gospel play depicts saving grace in song
Public Awareness Theatre’s production ends Black History Month festivities

By Jennifer Koesling
Staff Reporter

A celebratory finale of hand-clapping and foot-tapping gospel music is scheduled tonight to end Black History Month events at TCU.

Public Awareness Theatre, a new venue of entertainment for TCU, will perform the gospel play “I’m Saved.” The production was chosen to show an important part of black history which will be enjoyable for those who attend, said Darron Turner, director of International Education Services.

“Gospel plays an important part in the history of the church and the spirituality of blacks in the United States,” Turner said. “We think this can be a snapshot of the culture, and people can have fun around it.”

Public Awareness Theatre is rated as America’s No. 1 African American Gospel Stage Production and has performed this type of family drama and comedyat more than 150 colleges nationwide.

The play tells the story of the events and relationships that lead up to a pastor’s fifth pastoral anniversary at the Perfect Saints Church and his personal encounter with God who informs him that he and his ministry are out of order.

Students from the TCU Bible study group Impact and the TCU gospel choir Word of Truth are planning to attend the performance together.

Chanel Hewitt, a member of Impact and a sophomore physical therapy major, said this will be a good opportunity for student fellowship with people from all corners of the campus. She said she expects a large turnout based on what she viewed as a large and diverse audience of students who have attended Black History Month events.

“I’ve seen a variety of students joining in the forums and activities,” Hewitt said. “Many students have said they were excited about this play because it is not originated at TCU and because it also makes you think about your religion.”

Program Coordinator Cyndi Campoy said she thinks 200 to 300 people will attend.

“There is no cost of admission, and not only is it open to TCU students but to the community,” Campoy said.

“I’m Saved” will be presented 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Student Center Ballroom.

Jennifer Koesling
j.c.koesling@student.tcu.edu