Fran Washington

The Wayne State University Department of Theatre presents Rosa Parks: More Than a Bus Story, a dramatic depiction of the prolific civil rights pioneer\'s life, at the historic Bonstelle Theatre on Friday, February 17, 2006 and Saturday, February 18, 2006. The husband and wife team of Dr. Von H. and Mrs. Fran L. Washington return to Detroit for this special engagement to perform the only play authorized by Mrs. Parks.

Written by Dr. Washington, Rosa Parks: More Than a Bus Story reveals the life of the Mrs. Parks prior to her quiet protest that changed a nation. Through original music and text, this play uncovers the reasons why she did not move from her seat on the bus in 1955 and why she left Montgomery, Alabama, the city she loved. It examines her role in the nation\'s history and as a catalyst in the events of the Civil Rights Movement.

Rosa Parks: More Than a Bus Story had its world premiere in January 2001 with family and friends of Mrs. Parks in attendance. Members of the Washington family are featured performers in the play. Mrs. Washington plays the title role and Dr. Washington and their daughter, Alicia R. Washington, are narrators.

"Fran Washington actually captured the spirit of Rosa Parks," said Elaine Eason Steele, former director of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute and close family friend. "Her physical mannerisms, voice and speech patterns are very much like Mrs. Parks\'. The comfort, grace and dignity Mrs. Parks gave to people when she met them transcended into Mrs. Washington\'s performance." Recently, the Washington family had the privilege of presenting the play to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama.

Dr. Washington, who wrote the play under the guidance of Gregory Reed (Mrs. Parks\' legal representative), is professor of theatre and director of multicultural theatre at Western Michigan University. A graduate of WSU\'s Department of Theatre, he served as the director of the Black Theatre Program, also at Wayne State University, in the 1980s. Dr. and Mrs. Washington co-founded Washington Productions, Inc., a theatrical and educational video company located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Since launching the company, they have presented more than 500 performances of 12 original works.

Only three performances of Rosa Parks: More Than a Bus Story will be presented at the Bonstelle Theatre: Friday, February 17, 2006 at 10 a.m. (student matinee performance) and 8 p.m.; and Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 2 p.m. The Bonstelle Theatre is located at 3424 Woodward Ave., one block south of Mack Ave.

Ticket prices are $20 regular, $15 discount, $10 students and $8 for the student matinee performance. The discount price is available for senior citizens 62 and older, WSU faculty, staff and Alumni Association members.

For tickets or more information, please call (313) 577-2960 or visit the Wayne State University Theatre Box Office at 4743 Cass Ave. on the corner of Cass and W. Hancock. Performance information may also be obtained by visiting www.theatre.wayne.edu.

**** Interviews with the Washingtons can be scheduled by contacting Nicole Young at (313) 577-6798 or nmyoung@wayne.edu.