‘Luminosity’ sheds light on family’s sordid past

Staff Report

How well do you know your family's past? How does that knowledge affect the way you live your life? One young woman is about to find out.

Debra Mercer is the adopted, black daughter of a wealthy, white, British family. When she delves into her family history, her discoveries make her question herself and the people she calls kin. The lives of three centuries of the Mercer family are simultaneously exposed and interwoven in the mysterious and powerful drama, “Luminosity,” by Nick Stafford, which continues the drama department's season. The play, directed by associate professor Betsy Tucker, will “shine” in the Helms Theatre through April 1 at 8 p.m.

A cast of graduate and undergraduate actors will reveal the family's stories, told in three separate time frames — 1799, 1899 and 1999. The audience and Debra Mercer will discover the source of her family's wealth and involvement in the slave trade.

“Luminosity” was originally produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2001.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (60+) and $8 for students; full-time U.Va. students can use their ART$ Dollars to purchase tickets. The box office is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.