Dreams of Emmett Till
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF HIS MURDER TODAY
Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, Playwright • Bobby Field, Director
Emmett Till, a 14-year old African American boy from Chicago, was murdered while visiting relatives in Money, Mississippi. Emmett went into a country store to buy candy; two days later, he was murdered. The world was shocked by Emmett’s murder and grotesquely beaten body taken from the Tallahatchie River. Carolyn’s husband, Roy Bryant, and Roy’s half-brother J.W. Milam admitted to killing Emmett but, unfortunately, were found not guilty.
“Dreams of Emmett Till” “was written by playwright Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, the author of seven produced plays and several books, including "She Took Justice." In “Dreams of Emmett Till” the now elderly Carolyn Bryant must face the truth of what really happened on that hot summer day in 1955 when Emmett Till was accused of accosting her and then brutally murdered by Carolyn’s husband and half-brother.
“Dreams of Emmett Till” was directed by Bobby Field, an experienced musician, actor, writer, producer, director and film editor known for “15 Minutes” (2001), “Coming Up for Air” (2011) and “The Song.”
THE PRODUCTION
The world premiere of “Dreams of Emmett Till” aired live virtually on April 8, 2021 with over 700 in attendance. For those who were unable to attend the premiere event, you can watch the play above.
The Law and Policy Group, Inc. is the executive producer behind this unique and creative production. Founded by Gloria Browne-Marshall, the 501(c)3 organization is a ‘think tank’ for the community which produced the play “Shot-Caught A Soul” and publishes “The Report on the Status of Black Women and Girls,” the only ongoing report on the state of Black females in America. SPARK Theatrical, the associate producer, with multiple projects under development in Los Angeles and New York, connects plays with non-profits that share a common vision, providing audiences the opportunity for education and action.
TOWN HALL DISCUSSION
The play premiere was followed by a Town Hall discussion on the impact of Emmett’s murder on society today. The event featured noted civil rights leaders and historians.
Moderator: Faith Morris, Chief Communications Officer with the National Civil Rights Museum
Panelists: Playwright/Author Gloria Browne-Marshall; Bobby Field, Director of "Dreams of Emmett Till; Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP; Tennessee State Senator Raumesh Akbari; and Dr. David Houck, Fannie Lou Hamer Professor of Rhetorical Studies at Florida State