‘Underground: Hear the Sound of Freedom’ Comes to the Avram Theater

The curtain rises again at the Avram Theater as Stony Brook Southampton announces its first major theatrical performance in years with the Long Island premiere of Akil DuPont’s musical play “Underground: Hear the Sound of Freedom.” This production will run Thursday, January 30, through Sunday, February 2, with shows at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Set in 1850, “Underground: Hear the Sound of Freedom” tells the story of an enslaved man’s faith and determination to secure freedom for his family by joining the Underground Railroad. Adapted from DuPont’s acclaimed 2010 short film, the musical has captivated audiences worldwide with its score, incorporating Negro spirituals and melodies of freedom. The production has already earned several awards and accolades, including Best Production Winner at the 2024 New York Theater Festival.

Stony Brook Southampton will welcome 600 local high school students from East End districts to two daytime performances of the production. These special events aim to deepen students’ understanding of America’s history as Black History Month begins on February 1.

This show breathes new life into the Avram Theater on the Southampton campus, which has served as a venue of artistic expression on the East End since the 1980s. The premiere coincides with the beginning of Black History Month, underscoring the theater’s dedication to presenting diverse and meaningful stories.

“Productions like ‘Underground’ reflect our commitment to revitalizing Stony Brook Southampton as a hub for education, community outreach and cultural enrichment,” said Wendy Pearson, the vice president for strategic initiatives and executive director of Stony Brook Southampton. “The arts are deeply connected to education, fostering creativity and understanding while enriching the lives of East End residents. This production marks an important step in strengthening those connections.

“Our partnership with local businesses, such as the Southampton Inn, underscores the importance of collaboration in supporting the arts and sustaining the region during the off-season,” Pearson added. “By working together, we can create more opportunities that benefit students, residents, and the wider community, securing Stony Brook Southampton as a vibrant resource for Long Island’s East End.”

The Avram Theater and Avram Family Art Gallery at Stony Brook Southampton features a 400-seat theater. In 1998, while part of the former Southampton College of Long Island University, the theater was named for Dr. Morrell “Michael” Avram and his wife, Maria, longtime patrons of the arts who supported its renovation.

Following renovations in 2007 to modernize its facilities, the theater is now equipped to host diverse artistic endeavors, including readings, recitals, operas and celebrated events like Pianofest. Its adjoining Avram Family Art Gallery further enriches the space, with its latest exhibition displaying works by the late painter and East Hampton resident Joe Zucker, whose art explores American slavery and the cotton industry.

Tickets for “Underground: Hear the Sound of Freedom” are $55 ($44 for Stony Brook staff, $27.50 for students) at stonybrook.edu/southampton.