A powerful, student-directed play shines light on social injustice
By: Trace Espinosa
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – March 26, 2025 – Auburn University at Montgomery is set to grab attention this spring with Blood at the Root, an AUM Theatre production that runs April 3–5 and April 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m. at the Taylor Centre Theatre. Written in 2016 by Dominique Morisseau, the story dives into issues of deep-rooted racism, prejudice and social injustice through the lens of six high school students.
Junior Tiara Staples, who recently won first place in the National Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) Directing Initiative at the 2024 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, is directing this play as it will tell an emotional story about prejudices and injustice.
“Blood at the Root. Oh, gosh. It means a lot. And I could spend hours talking about everything that it means to me… It’s about finding how to love yourself,” said Junior Michael James Prichard, an actor who plays “Colin” in the show.
Morisseau, a celebrated playwright and screenwriter, developed the script to shed light on the voices that have been drowned out by systemic oppression. Blood at the Root was inspired by the tragic real-life event of the Jena Six from the racially motivated shooting of a teenager in Louisiana back in 2006. Morisseau’s work highlights how systemic oppression can make its way into the lives of young people.
Staples, alongside a dedicated cast and crew, is tirelessly working to bring Morisseau’s vision to life, ensuring that it carries the weight and intensity it deserves. From the charged dialogue to the detailed stage design, every element of the play was carefully crafted to resonate with the audience.
The theatre production crew plans to tackle challenges and experiences that are raw, authentic and emotional, addressing problems of identity, community and systemic inequality being center stage.
It is not meant to stir hate; rather, it invites audiences to see all aspects of the story and appreciate its entirety. It’s like coffee or licorice – bittersweet and complex. Experiencing the raw emotions through the eyes of the characters on stage, Morrisseau’s play has a sweet, beautiful truth locked inside a bitter peel.
Sophomore Tyreanna Causey, costume designer for Blood at the Root, stated, “I feel like the theme is resilience. Each character really displayed and showed resilience and fighting against something. Blood at the Roots means fighting for what you want or fighting for something other people may not see is right or is deemed worthy.”
American Theatre’s website stated that the play explores adversity through the resilience of oneself and the courage to keep pushing on despite all the things one can face.
As opening night approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets are available through the Taylor Centre Theatre box office and are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens and military and free for AUM students, faculty and staff. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the AUM Theatre program or a newcomer looking for a compelling night of drama, this is a show that should not be missed.
