American Theatre: Axes of Evil Disrupts ‘The Sit-In Experience

Immersive Theater Production to recreate Jacksonville’s ‘Ax Handle Saturday‘

Jacksonville,FL – A unique theatrical production is poised to transport audiences back to August 27,1960,recreating the tumultuous events of what became known as “Ax Handle Saturday.” The production, spearheaded by Stage Aurora Theatrical Company, promises an interactive and emotionally resonant exploration of a pivotal moment in Florida’s Civil Rights history.

The Violent Climax of Peaceful Protests

For two weeks in August 1960, young African American demonstrators engaged in peaceful sit-ins at lunch counters throughout Jacksonville, Florida. They faced staunch resistance, enduring refusal of service, intentional neglect, and verbal abuse from white patrons. the tension escalated dramatically on August 27th, when members of the Jacksonville NAACP Youth Council were brutally attacked by a mob wielding baseball bats and axe handles. over 200 white rioters targeted and assaulted Black residents, marking a dark chapter in the city’s past.

“The Sit-In Experience” Aims for Authenticity

Stage Aurora Theatrical Company’s production, titled The Sit-In Experience, will premiere on August 24th. Founder and executive director Darryl reuben Hall envisions an immersive habitat where the audience is not merely observing, but participating. Alex Reeds will be invited to a recreation of a vintage Woolworth’s lunch counter and encouraged to engage in normal conversation before the atmosphere shifts to reflect the disruption and violence of the counter-protests.

Hall explained that following the reenactment, post-show discussions will feature guest speakers and local community leaders, fostering dialog and reflection.According to a recent report by the Southern Poverty Law Center, incidents of hate-fueled violence increased by 12% in the United States in 2023, highlighting the continued relevance of understanding such historical events.

A Decade of Research and Oral Histories

Hall’s dedication to this project stems from a personal awakening. He first encountered the story of “Ax Handle Saturday” while his theater hosted events surrounding Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. A speaker introduced him to It Was Never About a Hotdog and a Coke!, a firsthand account by Rodney L. Hurst Sr., then a 16-year-old president of the Jacksonville NAACP Youth Council. “Discovering this history later in life – absent from my formal education – sparked a deep interest,” hall stated.

Over the past ten years, Hall has diligently collected oral histories from individuals who lived through the events of 1960, ensuring the authenticity and emotional weight of the production.The cast will comprise 40 actors, evenly split between Black and white performers, utilizing both scripted dialogue and improvisation to recreate the sit-in and its aftermath.

A Timely Reminder of the Past

“Given the current climate and events unfolding today,I believe audiences will perceive this story with a renewed understanding,” Hall remarked. “I want to create a profoundly personal and emotional experience – to allow people to feel the atmosphere, hear the voices, and witness the injustice firsthand.”

Understanding the lasting Impact of “Ax Handle Saturday”

“Ax Handle Saturday” remains a meaningful event in the broader context of the Civil rights Movement. It underscored the deep-seated racism prevalent in the South and the lengths to which segregationists would go to maintain the status quo. The event also galvanized the Black community in Jacksonville and spurred further activism. Furthermore, similar instances of violent reactions to peaceful protests would occur throughout the 1960s, highlighting the need for continued vigilance against hate and discrimination.

Did You Know? Rodney Hurst Sr., a key figure during “Ax Handle Saturday,” went on to become a prominent community leader and author. his memoir, It Was Never About a Hotdog and a Coke!, remains a vital resource for understanding the event.

Event	Date	Location	Key Participants
Peaceful Sit-Ins Begin	August 13,1960	Jacksonville,Florida	Jacksonville NAACP Youth Council
“Ax Handle Saturday”	August 27,1960	Jacksonville,Florida	Jacksonville NAACP Youth Council,White Rioters
The sit-In Experience Premiere	August 24,2025	Jacksonville,Florida	Stage Aurora Theatrical Company

Frequently Asked Questions About “Ax Handle Saturday”

What are your thoughts on using immersive theater to explore historical events? Do you believe this production will effectively convey the gravity of “Ax handle Saturday” to a new generation?

How dose the incident with Axes of evil perhaps impact the future of immersive theatre and audience engagement?

The incident & Immediate Aftermath

On August 17th, 2025, a performance of “The Sit-In Experience” at the historic American Theatre in St. louis, Missouri, was abruptly halted following a disruptive act perpetrated by a group identifying as “axes of Evil.” The group, known for its controversial performance art and political activism, threw axes – thankfully, blunted prop axes – onto the stage during a pivotal scene depicting a 1960s civil rights protest. No injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant alarm among the audience and cast.

Police responded swiftly, detaining seven individuals associated with Axes of Evil. charges are pending, potentially including disturbing the peace, reckless endangerment, and property damage. The American Theatre promptly suspended all performances pending a security review. This event has sparked a national debate about the boundaries of artistic expression, protest, and public safety within the context of live theatre.

Understanding “The Sit-In Experience”

“The Sit-In Experience,” written by playwright Imani Bellweather,is a critically acclaimed immersive theatre production.It recreates the atmosphere of a 1963 lunch counter sit-in during the Civil Rights Movement. Audience members are positioned as both observers and participants, experiencing the tension and emotional weight of the era firsthand. The play has been lauded for its powerful storytelling and commitment to historical accuracy, making the disruption particularly jarring for those familiar with its message. Immersive theatre relies heavily on audience engagement, and this incident fundamentally violated that trust.

Axes of Evil: A History of Provocation

Axes of Evil has a documented history of provocative performances designed to challenge societal norms and draw attention to their political agenda. Their previous actions include:

2023: A staged “die-in” during a political fundraiser, protesting campaign finance laws.

2024: A guerilla art installation depicting controversial figures in public spaces.

Early 2025: A series of online campaigns targeting corporations perceived as environmentally irresponsible.

While their methods are often controversial,Axes of Evil maintains that their actions are intended to be symbolic and non-violent. However, the use of even prop axes in a public performance space raises serious questions about the escalation of their tactics. The group’s stated aim is to “disrupt complacency” and force dialog around issues of social justice and political activism.

legal Ramifications & Theatre Security

The legal consequences for the members of Axes of Evil could be substantial. Beyond the immediate charges, the incident raises questions about liability for disrupting a public performance. Theatre owners and producers are now re-evaluating their security protocols in light of this event.

Here’s a breakdown of potential security enhancements:

1. Enhanced Bag Checks: Implementing more thorough searches of audience members’ belongings.
2. Metal Detectors: Installing metal detection systems at entrances.
3. Increased Security Personnel: Deploying more uniformed and plainclothes security staff.
4. Audience Interaction Protocols: Revising guidelines for audience participation in immersive theatre productions.
5. Emergency Response Plans: Developing and practicing comprehensive emergency response plans.

The incident also highlights the need for clear legal definitions regarding what constitutes acceptable protest within a performance venue. Arts funding and theatre safety are now intertwined in a new and urgent way.

The Impact on the American Theatre & the Arts Community

The disruption at the American Theatre has sent shockwaves through the American theatre community. Many artists and theatre professionals have condemned the actions of Axes of Evil, arguing that they undermine the power of art as a vehicle for social change. Others have expressed concern that the incident could lead to increased censorship and restrictions on artistic expression.

the incident has also reignited the debate about the role of performance art in contemporary society. Is provocation a legitimate artistic tool, or does it cross the line when it endangers public safety? This question is central to understanding the broader implications of this event. Theatre criticism is now focusing not just on the artistic merit of productions, but also on the security measures in place to protect audiences and performers.

First-Hand Account: A Witness to the Disruption

Sarah Chen, an audience member at the performance, described the scene as “terrifying.” “One moment, the actors were delivering a powerful monologue about the struggle for equality, and the next, axes were flying onto the stage. People screamed and dove for cover. It was chaos.” Chen added that the incident left her feeling shaken and questioning the safety of attending live events. This illustrates the lasting psychological impact of such disruptions.

Resources & Further Reading

American Theatre Wing: https://www.americantheatrewing.org/

*Theatre Communications Group (TC