Press

American Theatre Magazine: Freedom Riders Ride Again in Mike Wiley’s ‘Parchman Hour’

American Theatre Magazine: Freedom Riders Ride Again in Mike Wiley’s ‘Parchman Hour’

For performer and playwright Mike Wiley, telling the stories of African American historical figures was a one-man job that he excelled at. He took his solo acts across the country, weaving narratives out of the African-American diaspora, playing countless characters even though he was the only person onstage. Though he’s now directing...

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT interviews Mike Wiley

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT interviews Mike Wiley

The violence isn’t real. But that wasn’t the case 50 years ago, when a fist to the face and near-fatal choke holds were part of everyday life at Parchman Farm, the notorious Mississippi prison.

Theater students from Norfolk State University work on fight scenes during a rehearsal for “The Parchman Hour” at the Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk. A man runs onto the stage...

Black Light Puppet Theatre wins "50 for 50 Arts Inspiration Award"

Black Light Puppet Theatre wins "50 for 50 Arts Inspiration Award"

Virginia Stage Company's Black Light Puppet Theatre was chosen as an Exemplary Program and Pinnacle Event, as a part of The Virginia Commission for the Arts' "50 for 50 Arts Inspiration Award" recipients.