Theatre Professor Gino DiIorio‘s new play, “James Hemings,” will be developed at a reading this summer at the Great Plains Theatre Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. The nationally recognized conference offers extensive opportunities for top emerging playwrights to learn and grow. Over 1,000 plays were submitted to this year’s conference, with 20 plays selected for development.

“James Hemings” takes place at Monticello in 1796. Thomas Jefferson has promised freedom for his slave chef James Hemings, provided he train his younger brother Peter in the art of French Cuisine. Hemings has arranged a final dinner for his master to demonstrate his brother’s talent. But the chef also has a few surprises in store….