THE BALLAD OF TRAYVON MARTIN to Premiere at Freedom Theatre This May

New Freedom Theatre presents the world premiere of THE BALLAD OF TRAYVON MARTIN. THE BALLAD OF TRAYVON MARTIN is written by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj and Thomas J. Soto. Mr. Maharaj also directs and choreographs. The show is onstage at 1346 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, from May 11 through May 22, 2016. For tickets and information visit: www.freedomtheatre.org.

THE BALLAD OF TRAYVON MARTIN is a poetic docudrama inspired by events surrounding the death of teenager Trayvon Martin. Music, hip-hop and modern dance meld to theatrically document the last seven hours of Martin's life. The play recalls the events of February 26, 2012, when Martin was shot and killed, and how his legacy lives on today through the Black Lives Matter movement.

THE BALLAD OF TRAYVON MARTIN is the first of three plays that New Freedom Theatre will produce this summer. Executive Producing Director Sandra Haughton says, "THE BALLAD OF TRAYVON MARTIN is the culmination of a three-year strategic plan put in place by the New Freedom Theatre Board of Directors. Our goal is to bring both excellent art and artists to Freedom Theatre. I saw a reading of this play in New York, and knew immediately that we wanted both this play and Rajendra here at Freedom, and to share this play's relevant subject matter with our community."

Co-Author, Director and Choreographer Rajendra Ramoom Maharaj was recently appointed Guest Artistic Director for New Freedom Theatre's 49th Season. Maharaj is a storyteller, artist and activist known for his documentary-style political work that deals with American history and events tied to the African American narrative. He started Rebel Theatre Company in New York City in 2003. Hailed by The New York Times as, "one of the most talented directors in New York," Maharaj's career highlights include:

New York City selected Directing/Choreography credits include: The Public Theatre (365 Days, Memphis Minnie workshop), Classical Theatre of Harlem (Marat Sade), Lark Play Development Center (Man Measures Man, Breathe), New Federal Theatre (Diss Diss and Diss Dat), Rebel Theater (Othello: The Panther, Black Footnotes, Ghosts, Salome: Da Voodoo Princess of Nawlins, Trail of Tears, R+J: An Uncivil Tale - Choreographer), Making Books Sing (Band of Angels, Shelter in my Car, Chachajis Cup), Amas Musical Theatre (Bubbling Brown Sugar, Damn Yankees, Mamma I Want to Sing, Magpie).

Maharaj's prdocugion of Passage Theatre's Little Rock won the Barrymore Award for Outstanding Ensemble in 2015.

As a playwright, Maharaj has authored several plays, including Little Rock - a historical drama about the Little Rock Nine, Daisy, inspired by the life and legacy of the indomitable Daisy Lee Bates, Grey and Twenty-Five, Hansberry/Baldwin (Semi-Finalist for the Eugene O'Neil Playwright Festival.) Co. Written and Co. Conceived work: The Ballad of Trayvon Martin (Co-Authored by Thomas J. Soto), The Wanderer (Co-Authored by Adam Mace and Christian Lee Branch),History of the Word, a new spoken word play with music; Exposures, an urban spoken word choreopoem.

Maharaj says, "I believe that theatre is a powerful platform for social justice. The Trayvon Martin story is an important American story. Though it was written six months after the verdict, what better time to premiere this work as we look at the issues our country is grappling with today, the upcoming election and the future of the Black Lives Matter movement?"

The all-Philly cast includes Angel Brice, Donna Cherry, Julian Darden, Michael Fegley, Shabazz Green, Stanley Morrison. Amir Randall, Christopher David Roche.

THE BALLAD OF TRAYVON MARTIN has one preview performance on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, opens to the press on Thursday, May 12, 2016, and runs through Sunday, May 22, 2016. Performance dates and times are as follows:

Wednesday, May 11 - 7pm - Preview Performance

Thursday, May 12 - 7pm - Opening Performance

Friday, May 13- 8pm

Saturday, May 14- 3pm

Saturday, May 14- 8pm

Sunday, May 15- 3pm

Wednesday, May 18- 7pm

Thursday, May 19 - 7pm

Friday, May 20 - 11am

Saturday, May 21- 3pm

Saturday, May 21- 8pm

Sunday, May 22- 3pm

Single ticket prices are $20 and $35, and available by calling Call the Box Office at 888.802.8998, or view details and order online at www.freedomtheatre.org at event link here. Box office hours begin April 19th, Thursday through Saturdays. Check website for hours.

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