In 2014, a new play took over the Broadway scene that was set to the music of the late Tupac. Holler If Ya Hear Me, created by Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon, will be revived for an Atlanta HBCU tour, Leon revealed during a guest appearance at Spelman College last week.
The revival will premiere at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Spelman in 2017. Students will also receive the opportunity to audition for roles in the production, NBC News reports.
“To use his poetry as an example, his poetry and themes, to see Tupac within themselves. He will be our inspiration,” he said. The famed director also shared that he thinks this partnership between the Atlanta University Center (AUC) — which comprises of Atlanta’s HBCUs — and his True Colors theatre company, it was a no brainer to revive the play.
“There is a disconnect to our young people and I think it is important to engage this generation,” Leon said. “These young people have youth and a voice. And I happen to have a Broadway resume. To bring those two things together—sometimes it takes older folks like to me to pay attention.”