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It’s one thing to read about history in books. It’s another to see it come alive on stage.

91ԭ�� (GGC) will host the live performance “Frederick Douglass: The Lion of Freedom” at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, in Cisco Auditorium (C-1260). The event is free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 3 p.m., and free parking will be available on the campus 3000 Lot, located off Lonnie Harvel Boulevard.

“In a year when we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I’m looking forward to seeing Douglass’ 1852 speech ‘What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?’ portrayed on stage,” said Dr. Michael Gunther, associate professor of history and interim department chair.

The one-man show stars actor and storyteller Darius Wallace, who first began performing historical figures such as Malcolm X.

“The beautiful thing about Frederick Douglass is that he was born into conditions he didn’t ask for, and he didn’t allow those conditions to keep him bound,” Wallace said. “He utilized the power of the written and spoken word to free himself, and then to follow his passion and his purpose. I want young people to see that no matter what conditions they are born into, they have the ability, through literacy and the power of words, to dream bigger and achieve those dreams.”

During the performance, Wallace portrays not only Douglass, but several other historical figures.

“They’ll see me as Douglass’ grandmother, as him when he was a little boy,” he said. “They’ll also see me as John Brown, President Abraham Lincoln and Emerson.”

For Gunther, hosting the performance at GGC holds personal significance.

“At one point early in my career I worked for a rare manuscript dealer, and held authentic Frederick Douglass autographed and signed documents in my hands,” he said. “From enslaved child in Maryland to world-famous author, activist, orator and statesman, Douglass is the most inspirational figure I teach about. I can’t wait for students, colleagues and members of the community to experience this performance.”

Following the show, Wallace will host a question-and-answer session with the audience.

“I want them to walk away believing there is a spark of inspiration within themselves that can help them overcome whatever obstacles they face,” Wallace said. “That realization that we each have that spark and that’s where our freedom truly begins.”