KENT STATE

Fifty years after four young people were shot by the National Guard at Kent State University, Deborah Wiles gives us an honest fictional account enhanced by this production. The narrators give voice to several witnesses, each with a unique perspective. We hear the truth as perceived by students, townies, the National Guard, and others. Christopher Gebauer, as Student #1, uses a calm, steady voice to defuse the impatient anger of the activist student, portrayed by Lauren Ezzo. The insistent tone of Korey Jackson as a member of the Black United Students provides historical context. Christina Delaine and Johnny Heller, as townies, speak with hurt and confusion of dissension they don’t understand, and Roger Wayne, as the Guardsman, adds an important perspective. N.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2020 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]