‘Underground’ Brings American History to Life at Stony Brook Southampton

Stony Brook Southampton’s Avram Theater hosted the Long Island premiere of Underground: Hear the Sound of Freedom, with four performances for the public as well as two special shows for 600 local high school students.

The weekend event, held January 30 through February 2, was a reopening of the campus for the community, said Wendy Pearson, vice president for strategic initiatives and executive director of Stony Brook Southampton.

“Productions like Underground reflect our commitment to revitalizing Stony Brook Southampton as a hub for education, community outreach, and cultural enrichment,” said Pearson. “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.”

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 filmmaker/playwright Akil 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 earned several awards and accolades, including “Best Production Winner” at the 2024 New York Theater Festival.

Through the course of his career as a storyteller in theater and film, DuPont has earned 31 awards in 44 film festivals, including 2 Student Emmys. His films have played in more than 60 countries and in 2014, he was named #7 of the top 100 indie filmmakers in the world.

DuPont said the play shines a light not only on Black history, but American history.

“It’s one thing to read it and to have someone to tell you about it. It’s another thing, I think, to experience it,” DuPont said. “So that’s the experience that we want to bring. And there’s nothing like the theater.”

The shows marked the 400-seat Avram Theater’s first major theatrical performances in years, signaling a new chapter for the East End cultural landmark. Avram Theater has served as a venue of artistic expression on the East End since the 1980s, and with the expansion of its lineup, Stony Brook Southampton has reaffirmed its commitment to enriching the local community with world-class theater, music and art.

The theater was named for Dr. Morrell “Michael” Avram and his wife, Maria, long-time patrons of the arts who supported its renovation. Renovated in 2007, the theater is equipped to host diverse artistic endeavors, including readings, recitals, operas and plays. The 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.

Underground was presented by Stony Brook Southampton and DuPont Productions LLC, with the Southampton Inn as the presenting sponsor. Other local sponsors included the Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, the Stony Brook University Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives (DI3) and Taste Long Island Events.