Westerville South Theatre Troupe 513 explores history with “Blood at the Root” production

Westerville South Theatre Troupe 513 is bringing Dominique Morisseau’s play, “Blood at the Root,” to the stage as part of a Black Voices Project to celebrate and showcase plays written by Black playwrights and feature diverse casts. 

“Blood at the Root” is based on the Jena Six; six Black teenagers in Jena, Louisiana who were arrested and brought up on serious charges after assaulting a white student in 2006. The incident was precipitated by several other charged incidents on campus.

The production is appropriate for those of high school-age and older due to language, themes and adult situations.

For WSHS Theatre Director Matt Wolfe, “Blood At Root” stuck out this year as a Black Voices Project because of the style of show and the depth of characters that are introduced through the play. 

“It is a stark contrast to the rest of our theatre season and I like to give the students a variety of genres to watch and learn about,” he said. 

The play has given students an outlet to continue important conversations, he said. It has also provided them with an opportunity to tell a story relevant to them and is inspired by a little known moment in history.

“At the end of the day, we tell the story to honor our past and do a small part to help us not repeat it,” he said.

Showtimes are 2 p.m. Sept. 23 and 24; and 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at the school, 303 S. Otterbein Ave. Tickets are limited to 80 per show and can be reserved online for $10 here. Any available tickets at the door.