A Unique Assignment
by Harrison David Rivers
Directed by Richard D. Thompson
March 16–April 7, 2024
Two men – Henry Gallagher, white, and James Meredith, Black – are thrust into each other’s lives in the aftermath of the Ole Miss Riot. Meredith was the first African American admitted to the University of Mississippi in 1962. Gallagher, a young second lieutenant in the army who was born and raised in Minnesota, is placed in charge of Meredith’s on-campus security detail. As they navigate the political and social rollercoaster of desegregation, a tenuous relationship is forged – one that, for Gallagher, leads to eventual revelation. Explore this milestone moment in Civil Rights history through Gallagher and Meredith’s own words and perspectives on their shared experience.
Discover this significant turning point in the history of the Civil Rights movement.
Special Thanks to the Frechette Family Foundation for their support of this project.
"A gripping piece of storytelling that feels like one of the most important works History Theatre has created in the past decade." - Pioneer Press
"[Pearce] Bunting brings gravitas and avuncular warmth." - Star Tribune
"History Theatre make history relevant, tangible, and real in addition to entertaining." - Cherry and Spoon
"...a nuanced exploration of politics, race, and interpersonal dynamics during the era of integration. The cast delivers a powerful rendition of this important chapter in history, offering audiences a thought-provoking and immersive theatrical experience." - Broadwayworld.com
"A Unique Assignment has immense pertinence to our nation's current state of affairs. That, and the high caliber of its staging and acting, make it an important addition to our theatre season." - Talkin' Broadway
"Super-sharp dialogue that will keep audience members glued to their seats." - Tommie Media
Read the Reviews
- "A Unique Assignment' salutes a Minnesotan hero in a segregation riot (Star Tribune, 3/19/24)
- 'A Unique Assignment' deftly tells complex civil rights story (Pioneer Press, 3/18/24)
- Recreates a powerful chapter of history, seen through a different light (Talkin' Broadway, 3/20/24)
- Powerful rendition of this important chapter of history (Broadway World, 3/31/24)
- 'A Unique Assignment' provides a snapshot of racial integration in the South (TommieMedia, 3/17/24)
- 'A Unique Assignment' Humanizes the Past (The Stages of Minnesota, 3/18/24)
- This story shows us that social change is hard, but it is possible and even inevitable (cherryandspoon.com, 3/18/24)
Audiences Call It
- both entertaining and educational!
- A unique, insightful performance
- It was moving. I ALWAYS learn something I didn't know
- The production was engaging, thought-provoking and informative! The actors were wonderful!
- Powerful
Learn more about the show
- Director Richard D. Thompson talks about the play (AM950, interview starts at 46:00)
- Queer Theater-Makers (The Gaily Show, AM950)
- Just doing his duty (My Villager, 3/12, 24)
- Interview with Pearce Bunting (badmouthtc.com, 3/11/24)
- Best Bet (Minnesota Monthly, 3/11/24)
Afterthoughts
Get closer to the story on stage with our lively post-show talkback after Sunday matinees. Free to ticketed patrons.
- 3/17: Henry Gallagher, Dr. Judith Meredith and Harrison David Rivers (playwright, A Unique Assignment)
- 3/31: Professor Duchess Harris (Professor of American Studies, Macalester College)
- 4/7: Harrison David Rivers (playwright, A Unique Assignment)
