The Lycoming College theatre department moves to the third play in the “dismantled” series with a virtual reading of “Spell Number 7” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The live performance is free to the public.

According to a news release, Ntozake Shange’s “Spell Number 7” is the story of a group of Black friends who are musicians and performers. In a series of dreamlike vignettes and poetic monologues, they commiserate about the difficulties they face as black artists.

“At its heart, ‘Spell Number 7’ is a beautiful play that captures the plight of the Black artist. The piece was written in 70s but is still very relevant today,” said Nigel Semaj ’17, theatre director and educator. “Taking place at a bar after hours, these friends come together as a new family unit. They argue in familial moments that many Black artists will identify with. Their late-night gathering is separate from the world and its oppressions. It’s about healing and moving forward.”

The “dismantled” series of virtual play readings provides an opportunity for the campus community to further advance its conversation about societal change — most specifically, problems of race.

The performance can be accessed at: https://www.lycoming.edu/theatre/schedule.aspx.