“Strike at the Wind!” returns to the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center with six shows

The legendary play “Strike at the Wind!”, which tells the life of Henry Berry Lowrie, will be performed July 18-20 and July 25-27. The amphitheater has undergone significant upgrades, including new seating, catwalks, lighting and a stage. Photo courtesy | UNCP

MAXTON – Strike at the Wind! returns to the Dial Amphitheater at the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center for six shows this summer.

The legendary play, which tells the life of Henry Berry Lowrie, will be performed from July 18 to 20 and July 25 to 27. The amphitheater has undergone significant upgrades, including new seating, catwalks, lighting and a stage.

Theatre director Jonathan Drahos is passionate about continuing a tradition that has been deeply rooted in the local community for nearly five decades.

“It’s a beautiful play about a legendary figure in the Lumbee community,” said Dr. Drahos, professor and director of the theater program at UNC Pembroke. “This year, we’re focusing on celebrating cultural collaboration. It’s a celebration that brings people of all races and faiths together, as Henry did with his band of brothers and sisters.”

“Strike at the Wind! reflects a cultural evolution and a renaissance of the idea of ​​cooperation with the Lumbee tribe. The piece celebrates that unity. The spirit of marginalized cultures coming together for a just cause,” said Drahos.

Strike at the Wind!, written by Randolph Umberger and one of the state’s longest-running outdoor plays, tells the story of the Lowrie War in 1865, when Henry Berry Lowrie led a band of men in a seven-year battle against those he believed had killed his father and brother. The play premiered in 1976.

Thanks to the collaboration of UNCP, the Lumbee Tribe and the community, the play was performed again to sold-out audiences in 2017 after a 10-year hiatus.

Tribal Chairman John Lowery, the great-great-great grandson of Henry Berry Lowrie, said the piece is particularly dear to his heart because it depicts several family members.

“We look forward to working with UNCP again as we embark on another Strike at the Wind! production! As we work to upgrade the amphitheater, we look forward to welcoming the community and our friends from across the country to see this wonderful play,” said Lowery.

Billy Oxendine, a graduate of UNCP’s theater program, returns to the lead role of Henry. A stage veteran and third-year student at the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University in New York, Oxendine takes the iconic lead role seriously.

“It’s always an honor to play Henry,” Oxendine said. “It’s something I never take for granted. I can feel the importance of this role because Henry and his story touches a lot of people. I appreciate this challenge every year. I try to find out something new about Henry that I can express on stage.”

The 30-person ensemble – the largest in recent history – is a mix of veteran actors, students from the UNCP theater program, alumni and community members like Audrey Hunt, the longest-tenured cast member. Oxendine isn’t the only cast member pursuing his academic goals as an actor. UNCP graduate Jamonte Madison, who returns to play Shoemaker John, attends the Juilliard School.

Hunt, also a UNCP graduate, joined the cast in 2004. She is known for her portrayal of Aunt Mary. She enjoys the camaraderie, but more importantly, she wants to keep history alive.

“This is part of our history and our identity,” said Hunt, a member of the Lumbee tribe. “This is what our ancestors went through. These are real people whose family members are still here, so we need to make sure people keep coming to the show. This is something everyone needs to experience.”

The play begins nightly at 7:30 p.m. The opening act, featuring local gospel groups, begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. General admission is $10. For tickets, visit uncp.edu/gpac or call the GPAC ticket office at 910-521-6361.