By Katie Gager, Student Reporter

Essence of Ebony will present the 12th annual Black History Production, titled Melting Pot, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Cullen Auditorium.

This year’s show will focus on the topic of mixed race relationships and the difficulties two families experience to reach acceptance, said the show’s director Byron Martin, senior psychology major from Mesquite.

“There are two big lessons to be learned from this show,” Martin said. “One is to be aware of what you learn from generations that came before you, and the second is to realize that we are all alike and have the same issues and problems.”

The show was written by a group of five students, including Byron Martin, Kenneth Dinkins, Anna Peters, DeMarco Howard and Shelby Coates (’06). Work on the show, including actors and set building, began in January when classes resumed.

“This year, we have the most diverse cast we’ve ever had in a Black History Production,” Martin said.

The show tells the story of a black girl dating a white boy and the difficulties both families have accepting their relationship. Because of the nature of this year’s theme, the show will include an “audience talk back” session directly after Friday’s show, Martin said.

“This provides the audience a forum in which there can be basic interactions about what is seen in the show,” Martin said. “After seeing the show, there are going to be a lot of thoughts and feelings that need to be discussed.”

Martin said he thinks no matter who views the show, everyone will be able to recognize someone they know represented within each of its characters.

“I’m pretty sure at some point in the show you will see one, two or maybe more of your family members or friends,” Martin said.

Assistant director DeMarco Howard, junior art major from Houston, recognizes the importance of this year’s theme and how it relates to students on campus.

“I want people to learn something from this,” Howard said. “Mixed race relationships are something people will have to start dealing with. It’s important to try to do your best to deal with it and support the people that are in those relationships.”

Tickets will be on sale this week in the Campus Center for $3, they will be $5 at the door; children under 5 are free. Group rates for 10 or more are available in advance, organizers said.

“Come out and see the show,” Howard said. “It’s a great show. We’ve been working really hard, and the actors are telling a great message.”