RADFORD – The world premiere of Trust: One Story of Pocahontas and Captain John Smith will be presented Saturday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., in Radford University’s Pridemore Playhouse, Porterfield Hall.

The Department of Theatre and Cinema commissioned Boston playwright Jack Neary to write the play and planned the performance in conjunction with Jamestown 2007. Targeted to young audiences but educationally enriching for all ages, Trust explores unique aspects of the Pocahontas-John Smith rescue story. Though history has sometimes blurred between truth and legend, RU’s theatre faculty say this production does contain one universal truth – in the midst of cultural differences, a single act of selflessness can catalyze a dialogue towards peace.

Theatre faculty member and play director Anthony Guest has done intensive research on the Jamestown story, including researching Native American tradition and language, dress, dance movements, printed and word-of-mouth history and the English culture of the 1600’s. Guest interviewed scholars of Native American history, most notably RU history faculty member Mary Ferrari as part of the preparation for the production.

(IN THE PHOTO: "Old Smith," played by Derek Rommel, talks with "The Writer," played by Kerith Rae, about his adventures in the Virginia Colony in a scene from the Radford University production of "Trust: One Story of Pocahontas and John Smith.")

Guest says that while RU wants to present a story that is accurate as possible, there are many things to consider in a play of this nature. “When preparing and rehearsing a play such as this, we must be as sensitive as possible portraying racial and cultural tension, especially when your cast is void of that particular race; in this instance, Native Americans. The audience will find this production quite presentational, full of symbolic gestures and metaphorical undertones, which aids in creating the aforementioned conflict with a homogeneous cast,” he says.

Director of Theatre and Cinema Carl Lefko says recent research has opened the door to differing interpretations as to what actually happened. However, fourth grade SOL’s still reflect the traditional story as told by Captain John Smith. Lefko says it does end with a rescue and that rescue had direct ramifications. It also interesting to note that this production does not express romantic notions.

Trust: One Story of Pocahontas and Captain John Smith is collaboration between the departments of theatre and cinema, art, music and dance. Lefko says all have worked together with a common goal of an accurate portrayal as possible with the resources that presented themselves.

 Lefko says area elementary schools have been made aware that the play does features some scenes that contain violence.

Admission is $5 general public, $5 RU faculty and staff, free with RU student I.D., and $2 children. Tickets go on sale two weeks prior to show date and can be purchased at the Box Office in Porterfield Hall or by calling (540) 831-5289.

To learn more, call the Department of Theatre and Cinema at (540) 831-5141 or e-mail arguest@radford.edu.