High resolution images are below

Pressroom

• Media Contacts
• Press Releases
• ETV Management Team
• Logo Farm
• ETV Style Guidelines
• Stock Photos

South Carolina ETV

• About ETV
• History of ETV
• Testimonials
• Annual Reports
• Schedule a Tour
• Weather Center
• Contact Us

Stay Connected

ETV Airs Spike Lee's Television Adaptation of the Broadway Musical “Passing Strange”

For Immediate Release
December 7, 2009

Columbia, SC…We are all a part of the human race; however, we are also a part of smaller groups. Whether it is a group that identifies a certain religion or a certain socioeconomic status, we always find ways to categorize ourselves. But what happens if the group of which you are a member does not fit? How do you go against your family and community values, to pursue a different path in life? On Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 9 p.m., ETV’s airing of “Passing Strange,” will answer those trying questions as an African American character who is simply called "Youth," leaves the country in search of his personal identity.

“Passing Strange,” a coming of age story, was loosely based off of the life of co-writer, Stew Rodewald, the critically revered singer and songwriter. Both Stew and Heidi Rodewald wrote the play for Broadway. However, at the end of its run in July 2008, it was recorded for television by Spike Lee.

The frequently hilarious and inspirational film, set in the mid-70s, tracks the life of Youth in his journey to Amsterdam and Berlin. He is constantly in search of what he regards as “the real,” or his artistic and individual identity. As he experiences different situations it becomes clear that the journey within greatly outweighs the physical trek. The plot of the film itself is moving, but the cast is really the icing on the cake. Daniel Breaker manages the role of the often narcissistic Youth and Eisa Davis delivers the role of his strong willed mother. De’Adre Aziza, Eisa Davis, Colman Domingo, Chad Goodridge and Rebecca Naomi Jones all juggle other key roles.

Nominated for a 2008 Tony Award for “Best Musical,” the score cleverly induces and discredits racial stereotypes while also making humorous suggestions about musical theatre itself.

South Carolina ETV is the state's public educational broadcasting network with 11 television and eight radio transmitters, and a multi-media educational system in more than 2,500 schools, colleges, businesses and government agencies. Using television, radio and the web, SCETV's mission is to enrich lives by educating children, informing and connecting citizens, celebrating our culture and environment and instilling the joy of learning.

###

For more information, contact Rob Schaller at (803) 737-6556 or rschaller@scetv.org.

A scene from Great Performances' "Passing Strange." Photo courtesy of David Lee.