 "Photo: Courtesy Associate Professor Johnny Alston")
Last week, history came alive onstage as Gil Faison's "Eagle Pride" was unveiled to homecoming attendees. "Eagle Pride" recounts the life of N.C. Central University founder James E. Shepard through the stories of 89-year-old Camille Dubois Pearson, an alumna played by Joan J.' Nathis-Nje.
Set in 1939 through 1946 and 2011, Pearson's memories of her student tenure when NCCU was known as N.C. College for Negroes allowed attendees to glimpse the heritage of NCCU.
Switching between the past and present over two acts allowed both young and old to interact, celebrate homecoming and learn from people who paved the way to NCCU's future.
Originally intended to premiere in 2010 as part of the University's centennial celebration, the play was postponed due to lack of funding.
"Thanks to the College of Liberal Arts and the lyceum committee, ‘Eagle Pride,' was finally brought to life," said Faison, playwright and director.
Faison, discussing the importance of premiering the play during homecoming, said, "The play commemorates the NCCU family throughout time."
The play, derived from "Shepard," a short film, was "amazing," said Jessica W. Jones, a May 2011 performance theatre graduate.
"This takes students out of the classroom, allowing them to watch history unfold instead of reading about it," Jones said. Student actors said they enjoyed the production. "I feel proud and honored to represent the school's history," said theatre communications freshman Brandon Wright. Wright played the character of Max Howard.
Jones said she feels that the play should continue to be a part of homecoming. "It connects to history showcasing the legacy that is NCCU," she said.
"Eagle Pride" is the beginning of a trilogy Faison is developing. "The next two installments will be plays set in 1939 and 1946, to showcase pride in our country, family and the Eagle, the Nation's and University's mascot, just like ‘Eagle Pride' did as a whole," said Faison.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now