Play About Trayvon Martin Debuts In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A poetic docudrama about Trayvon Martin began Thursday night at The Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia.

Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj directed and co-wrote the Ballad of Trayvon Martin – based on the teenager who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in Florida.

He says he hopes his play helps shed light on the struggle for racial equality in America:

“Until we have true acknowledgement of our shared, painful past, we cannot have reconciliation.”

Christopher David Roche plays Zimmerman. He says this was a very difficult role for him to undertake:

“It’s taking a step back and having that courage to not judge and to lose your opinions that you have to serve the more important story that’s going on.”

The play runs until May 22nd.