Growing up in Mississippi, Lehigh University assistant professor of theater and Africana studies Darius Omar Williams rarely had the opportunity to see Southern black narratives on stage.

That's just one of the reasons he's so proud to bring the story of the serial burning of black churches in small-town Alabama in the mid-1990s to life.

Based on true events, Williams directs the play, "every tongue confess," by award-winning African American playwright Marcus Gardley, at 8 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28 and 2 p.m. Feb. 22, Diamond Theatre, Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University.

"every tongue confess" is an historical narrative centered around a series of church burnings in the backwater town of Boligee, Ala.

Healer and sage Mother Sister and her son Shadrack are at the center of Gardley's non-linear mythical story which weaves together three seemingly disparate tales.

In this Greek-inspired memory play with music, African-American folk religion is ritualized.

"every tongue confesses" premiered in October 2010 at Arena Stage, Washington, D.C., directed by Tony-Award winner Kenny Leon and starred Phylicia Rashad in the lead role.

Stated the Washingtonian: "Gardley's fiery theatrical offering is part magic realism, part miracle play, part parable … a sort of epic theatre-poem exploring sin, loss, and redemption."

"every tongue confess" received nominations for the Steinberg New Play Award, the Charles MacArthur Award, and was a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award.

The production will be the first time Lehigh theater students are collaborating with members of Easton's Greater Shiloh Church drama ministry on a production.

Lehigh staff member Karen Sims, director of information processing in Lehigh's Office of Development, facilitated the involvement of the church where she is a member. Sims plays the lead role in "every tongue confess."

"The meshing of community members with Lehigh students is something to be very excited for," said Sims. "The opportunity to expand Lehigh's reach when it comes to community outside South Bethlehem gives people in other areas of the Lehigh Valley a reason to take notice."

The cast members from Greater Shiloh "are not just seasoned actors," said director Williams. "Many of them are just seasoned human people. What is so interesting is that the spiritual reality of 'every tongue confess' is their reality as well. So, to bring in that spiritual grounding is going to add a necessary layer of richness to the play."

Ticket information: 610-758-2787