Northern Illinois School of Theatre and Dance’s upcoming production of "The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek," written by Naomi Wallace, is a bold, emotional piece that captures the human spirit of youth in a time where all seems lost. This Depression-era examination will open Thursday at the Huntley Middle School Auditorium, 1515 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb.

“It’s a period piece but it can fit anytime,” Maria Zoia, who is playing the part of Pace, said in a news release.

Originally written and performed in 1998, Wallace’s play tells the story of a 15-year-old boy named Dalton in 1936, who has recently been imprisoned for murder. It all leads back to just a few months prior when he is captivated by the slightly older Pace, a girl who will take whatever risks merely to “feel alive.” One of those risks is the dare-devilish act of out-running the thousand-ton locomotive down a 100-foot trestle. Searching for hope and something to live for in the era of the Great Depression, the pair of teenagers decide to do just that.

Through her writing, Naomi Wallace has explored issues with systems of justice. She is an accomplished professor who has taught playwriting and literature at Yale University and UCLA among other schools.

While the play explores the situation of imprisoned youth, Wallace herself has worked with women in the judicial system and has been a member of the organization SURJ, Showing Up for Racial Justice. Much of her advocacy for justice and human rights can be found in her work.

Much of the story continues to reflect the human spirit and the need to survive.

“There’s every reason to give up, but nobody does,” actor Eli Hamilton, who portrays the tragic Dalton, said in the release.

While the story stresses the point of living life, it also makes one think through symbolism.

“The play is full of mirror images, lots of parallels,” Zoia said in the release.

Perhaps one of the strongest aspects of the play will be found in its relatability to the audience.

Hamilton reflects heavily on experience with the character of Dalton, and how many teens today can still relate with a youth of 1936.

“For any kids or teenagers who feel lost or misunderstood, this story will be relatable,” he said in the release.

Performances will be held at Huntley Middle School’s main auditorium, 1515 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb. The show runs Feb. 2 through 5 and 9 through 11. Show times start at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday and the second Saturday.

Tickets cost $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $9 for students. Ticket reservations or additional information is available by contacting the NIU School of Theatre and Dance box office at 815-753-1600, or www.niu.edu/theatre.