The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights
By: Steve Leary Jan. 18, 2009
Writers’ Theatre celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with
The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights,
newly updated to include the historic election of Barack Obama
The powerful production about the Civil Rights Movement
begins its tour to area schools with a free, public performance
in partnership with “A Day of Service and Inspiration”
January 19, 2009, at Wilmette Junior High School
Writers’ Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce a free public performance of The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights, a one-woman play by Yolanda Androzzo, directed by Kevin Douglas and featuring Tawney Newsome. The performance will be held in conjunction with “A Day of Service and Inspiration” organized by the Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs and the Volunteer Center of New Trier Township at Wilmette Junior High School, 620 Locust Road, Wilmette, on Monday, January 19, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.
Weaving together poetry, song and storytelling, The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights is a one-woman show about a young girl’s search for identity and self-discovery through the American Civil Rights Movement and the historic election of the first African-American president. Told from the perspective of both celebrated and unsung heroes, the performance challenges students to consider the cultural and contemporary relevance of the Civil Rights Movement.
“Education outreach has become an integral part of Writers’ Theatre programming,” said Artistic Director Michael Halberstam. “Over the past two years, The MLK Project has engaged nearly 18,000 students in a vital dialogue about a personal commitment to preserve our civil rights. With the election of the first African-American president, this is a very exciting year for this production.”
The opening performance is being presented as part of a community-wide “Day of Service and Inspiration” designed to emphasize the true spirit of the holiday as an opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy by serving others. The day begins with a service project to make no-sew blankets and scarves for hospitalized children and the homeless. The event is being generously underwritten and sponsored by Harris Bank and will be followed by a discussion to explore the cultural and contemporary relevance of the Civil Rights Movement. The 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. service project is open to all ages. The 11 a.m. performance is recommended for ages 12 and up. The entire celebration is free and open to the public. No reservations necessary.
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