By Deandra Hoppe

The University of Louisville’s African American Theatre Program is making history with the never before performed play “My Secret Language of Wishes.”

Showing Feb. 28 through Mar. 4 at Thrust Theatre, director Deana Thomas and six other women will tell the story of a disabled teenage girl, Rose, and the battle between two women who wish to adopt her.

Suggestion for the play to open at U of L was first made by Dr. Paul Carter, the director of “King Hedley,” which was performed last fall.

When director Deana Thomas first came across the play, “we read the play and fell in love with it,” she said.

“[The play] was promising because it had never been done before. Where ever this play goes, we’ll be part of its history,” said Thomas.

Getting into character for this drama proved to be a difficult task for many of the actors, as everyone has their own stereotypical impression of how a disabled person should act or how any particular character would act for that matter.

Thomas said that the hardest part of this play is rising above these stereotypes, especially for Frances Lewis, the actress portraying Rose. Thomas said that the cast has succeeded in doing just that.

The play is not meant to be preachy or historical, but is simply about people in the general sense.

It focuses on individual reflection and the choices every individual faces rather than taking on an accusatory tone.

“People who come will be inspired. It’s very thought provoking and inspirational. It manipulates your emotions but leaves you with a good feeling about humanity,” said Thomas.

“It makes you think about the binary opposition of black and white, gay and straight, rich and poor, as well as of class division,” she said.

The play defines unconditional love by showing how selfless it should be.

The play has already received some acclaim by being a finalist for the 2006 Christopher Brian Wolk award.

After the Mar. 1 showing, the playwright, Cori Thomas, will be there to host a “talk back” session with the audience.

Also, study guides for the play will be available if teachers wish to take their class to the performance.

Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, $9 for faculty and staff and $7 for students with a student ID.