Established several years ago, the WJU Lecture Series has become a dynamic part of life on our campus. This series has a different focus each year and provides opportunities for our students and the surrounding community to engage in intelligent discussions on a wide variety of timely and educational topics. All events are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Call 304-243-2095 for more information. 

Pride, Prejudice, and Progress

Reflecting on the racial struggles and small victories for human equality of the 20^th century, we look to the challenges and opportunities still ahead.

January 31, February 1 and 2
8:00 p.m.
Troy Theater
“Master Harold” . . . and the Boys by Athol Fugard

This play contains adult language and adult themes.
In 1982, Athol Fugard wrote a searing chamber drama about class and race in his native South Africa, still writhing in the grip of the morally, politically, and economically bankrupt system of apartheid. South Africa’s system was subsequently reformed politically, much as America’s civil rights legislation reformed our own social fabric. However, Fugard’s play about white, privileged Master Harold and two black servants, Sam and Willie, remains one of the most incisive documentations of the inbred assumptions of racial superiority. Perhaps someday, powerful plays like Fugard’s will be purely historical in their relevance. Until then, we still have much to learn from them about the ways in which we encounter one another. This production will be performed in an intimate studio arrangement with limited seating. Admission is free and reservations are strongly recommended. Call 243-2000 to reserve. Produced by special permission with Samuel French, Inc. New York, NY.

March 4
8:00 p.m.
Troy Theater
The Phoenix Jazz Project

This integrated, Pittsburgh-based sextet plays traditional jazz that reaches out to various genres across the cultural spectrum. Touring in 2005 to Brussels, Prague, Brataslava, Krakow, Budapest's Cotton Club, and Vienna's Jazzland produced standing ovations and rave reviews. The Phoenix Jazz Project’s influences range from Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and Keith Jarrett (pianist Tom Glovier); to John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Earth, Wind and Fire (saxophonist Curtis Johnson); to Eric Dolphy and Charlie Parker (saxophonist Mike Sakash); to Tierney Sutton, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dianne Reeves (vocalist Jessie Glovier).  Jason Birch (drums) and Bob Insko (bass) provide a fresh, creative approach that is the perfect compliment to the soloists. Johnson, an associate professor of music at West Virginia University, will also reflect on the band’s musical selections and cultural influences.
The concert is free on a first come basis. Doors open at 7:15 p.m.

All lecture Series events are free and open to the public.