Aurora Learning Library

Breach of Peace: The Freedom Riders of 1961 (Public Performance)

Oct 14, 2022

On May 24, 1961 19-year-old Jean Thompson boarded a Trailways bus in Montgomery, Alabama, with 11 other young Freedom Riders bound for New Orleans– and history. This solo play is a living monument to those remarkable young men and women of various races, religions, and backgrounds. Breach of Peace is based on true accounts of surviving participants of the Freedom Riders as well as many other individuals involved in the early struggle for African-American equality.

Mike Wiley 

An NC-based playwright and actor whose distinctive original works in documentary theatre, film, educational residencies and performances for student audiences has been acclaimed across America and abroad. His dramas relay the stories of fugitive slaves, civil rights game changers, sports heroes and freedom fighters. Dynamic multi-character portrayals offer penetrating views into parallel lives whose roles within African American history have shaped a richer total American experience.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS as of 3/7/22:

  • Vaccinated patrons use of face masks is optional.
  • Unvaccinated patrons are strongly encouraged to wear masks.
  • Anyone exhibiting any signs of coronavirus, including but not limited to cough, fatigue, headache, excessive sneezing or elevated temperature, are asked to stay home.
  • Hand sanitizer will be readily available.
  • Lawrenceville Arts Center has adopted state of the art air-handling equipment, including extensive UV filtration units, to provide cleaner, fresher air.

We believe that maintaining the health and safety of our community, including our staff, artists and patrons, shouldn’t be a matter of debate or political preference. To that end, we ask everyone in our community to respect these policies.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and patience.

The situation is fluid. Please check our website for updates.

Buy Tickets

Friday, October 14 at 8PM
Clyde & Sandra Strickland Grand Stage

Tickets from $22-30

Content advisory: 
Mike Wiley’s documentary theatre productions are dramatically rendered stories based on historical fact. The dramas are presented with intention that they help to shine light and open dialogue by sharing stories of individuals and events of human and civil rights struggle, strength, hope, failure and accomplishment. These stories are part of the American historical narrative. Occasional use of language or terminology accurate to an event’s period or setting may be viewed by some as offensive or inappropriate — but by avoiding such language, the historical truth of the portrayal becomes less authentic. Thank you for your understanding.