News Release

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March 14, 2006

Encore Production of ‘The Exonerated’ Friday Benefits Idaho Innocence Project at Boise State University
Benefit also features reception with former inmate who spent 16 years in prison

Spontaneous Productions will present an encore performance of the play “The Exonerated” at 7 p.m. Friday at Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 Fulton Street, as a benefit for the Idaho Innocence Project at Boise State University.

A $35 donation per ticket is requested for the gala evening, hosted by film producer Michael Hoffman and Boise attorney David Nevin. Suggested donation for student tickets is $15. For reservations, call Evelyn Redshaw at 426-2031. Tickets will be held at the door.

The benefit evening features a conversation and reception with former inmate Calvin Johnson, who spent 16 years in prison on a rape conviction and was then released after DNA evidence proved he was innocent. Johnson and Boise State biology professor Greg Hampikian co-wrote the book “Exit to Freedom” about Johnson’s ordeal. Both Hampikian and Johnson will be on hand to sign copies of their book following the play. Dessert and wine is provided by The Melting Pot.

The critically acclaimed play “The Exonerated” chronicles the experiences of six innocent people who spent from two to 22 years on death row and were eventually exonerated — often thanks to an attorney who took on their case pro bono, or dedicated law school students who wanted to right a wrong.

The Innocence Project was established in 1992 as a non-profit legal clinic based in New York City. Since then, 175 people have been exonerated based on DNA evidence. Innocence Projects now operate in states across the U.S. Hampikian is acting director of the Boise State office of the Idaho Innocence Project.

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Contact: Greg Hampikian, biology, (208) 426-4992, greghampikian@boisestate.edu 
Media Contact: Janelle Brown, University Communications, (208) 426-1790,  jbrown2@boisestate.edu


Boise State University is the largest institution of higher education in Idaho with about 18,600 students and 2,200 faculty and staff. More than 190 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and technical degrees are offered within eight colleges. A metropolitan university located in the capital city, Boise State is committed to life-enhancing research, teaching excellence and public service.

 

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Last reviewed on Wednesday, January 03, 2007