Film producer, screen writer and Aiken native John Ewing III will bring his stage play, "3 Dimensions of a Man," to the Stevenson Auditorium at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29.

"3 Dimensions of a Man" was written by Ytrena Kershaw Johnson, a native of the Greeneville-Spartanburg area, and is produced by Ewing's Janique Productions.

The stage play follows the story of Jordan, an ex-convict who, after his release from prison, immediately starts living in the fast lane selling drugs and living the street life before being confronted by life-changing situations. He finds out that he has a son and has lost his grandmother. Jordan has been absent from his son's life, and he finds out that his son is headed down the wrong path and doing things that will lead him into a life of crime.

Jordan is caught between decisions -- should he turn his life around and help save his son from a street life, or should he continue down the path he was already on?

The Rev. Hayes T. Gainey, pastor of Edisto Fork United Methodist Church, will serve as the master of ceremonies, and Ewing promises an evening of entertainment and encourages everyone to support the cast.

Admission for the stage play is free, but donations will be accepted. Ewing said everyone can benefit from "3 Dimensions of a Man" because everyone knows a man who is headed down the wrong path that needs to be a better father.

"I know that when I see men that take care of their children, it really sits well with me because my father was absent in my life," Ewing said. "I hold a man in high regard that takes care of his kids -- not only financially, but emotionally as well."

The play will feature one of Hollywood's most notable actors, Clifton Powell. Powell has appeared in more than 150 projects, including "First Sunday," "Woman Thou Art Loosed," "Ray," "The Gospel," "Next Friday," "Friday After Next," "The Brothers" and "Rush Hour."

Ewing frequently visits industry trade shows to meet with major producers and directors and said he used his connections in Hollywood to secure the appearance of Powell.

Powell frequents the stage-play circuit, and he has an appreciation for black theater, Ewing said.

"I want to produce films and documentaries for everything that encompasses African-American culture," Ewing said. "Everything from gospel and spiritual and, of course, things that may be perceived as negative. I think that too many black films get put out that portray a negative image."

Ewing said for every "Boys in The Hood"-type project he produces, he also wants to produce a "Best Man" or "Love and Basketball" project.

Ewing credits his success to his many mentors, including local businessmen George Dean, Attorney Glen Walters, the men of Epsilon Omega, Mr. Kemp of Kemp's Carpet and Bill Reynolds of Aiken.

"I don't think I would be where I am now or be where I'm going without their support," he said.

Ewing is also planning a gospel concert on April 6 at Stevenson Auditorium. All proceeds from the concert will go towards a scholarship for a local high school student pursuing a college degree.

T&D Features Writer Candace Newson can be reached by e-mail at cnewson@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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