For sophomore Paul Calderon, writing and directing his first theatrical play is a dream come true. For three days beginning Feb. 24, the 24-year-old drama major at UC Davis will present "Freedom's Cost," an unusual look at slavery in 19th century America. It will be highlighted among campus events planned for Black History Month. The two-hour play follows a 17-year-old slave named Silas through his experiences over a lifetime. "My intention is to focus on the price men paid to escape their oppressors, the whip and the plantation," says Calderon. "In order to be free these men had to be willing to pay the price -- that's freedom's cost." What makes his play unusual is that he traces the cultural diversity among the slaves and the impact that it had on their lives. The play involves 17 actors, all of whom are UC Davis students with no previous acting experience. Calderon's play will begin at 8 p.m. at the Varsity Theatre in Davis. "I don't want people to forget the past, because reflection gives us direction for the future," says Calderon.