For Immediate Release
October 19, 2015
continuing the conversation: experts discuss the importance of April 4, 1968
In an effort to continue the conversation regarding the impact of Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination and Bobby Kennedy’s history-making speech on the Indianapolis community, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) welcomes a powerful lineup of historians, professors, authors and residents to discuss the events of April 4, 1968.
Playwright-in-Residence, James Still has spent the last five years listening to residents and interviewing experts to develop his world-premiere April 4, 1968: Before We Forgot How to Dream which comes to the IRT Upperstage on October 20 through November 14.
“I wanted to tell the story of a family, an Indianapolis family in 1968 whose dreams and political awakenings collide with the tragic death of Dr. King," said Still. "This is one of the unique ways that art can reflect on history, and history can reflect on art. Our post-show panels are a great way for us to continue the conversations that I have had with individuals who were at the park the night Kennedy gave his speech."
The IRT has incorporated six community engagement opportunities into its production calendar, all of which are included with the purchase of a ticket to see April 4, 1968: Before We Forgot How to Dream.
A unique post-show discussion with James Still and cast members will occur on Oct. 25 at Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place and is open to the public. Diners will receive 10 percent off with proof of ticket purchase.
SPECIAL EVENT DATES
POST-SHOW DISCUSSION WITH JUDGE DAVID DReYER AND MEMBERS OF THE KENNEDY KING MEMORIAL PARK INITIATIVE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 AFTER THE 7:30 PM PERFORMANCE
Judge Dreyer and members of the Kennedy King Park Memorial Initiative join the IRT onstage after the 7:30 PM performance to discuss the important work they are doing in Indianapolis. The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative preserves the vital history of April 4,1968, and also creates important programs to teach, support and inspire people of all ages, races and nations - including capital development and maintenance of the Kennedy King Memorial space in King Park – and promotes the model and method of Robert Kennedy’s famous Indianapolis speech, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work.
APRIL 4, 1968: BEFORE WE FORGOT HOW TO DREAM OPENING NIGHT PEACE WALK
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015 | 5:30 PM AT SCOTTY'S BREWHOUSE
The IRT invites the community join in the opening night events on October 23. Guests are invited to create uplifting and peaceful signage to carry as they walk together from Scotty’s Brewhouse in downtown Indianapolis, past the Glick Peace Walk MLK, Jr. luminary to the IRT in time to view the opening night performance. The event starts at 5:30 PM; complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served and sign-making materials will be provided.
POST-SHOW DISCUSSION AT KOUNTRY KITCHEN WITH JAMES STILL
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 AFTER THE 2 PM PERFORMANCE
Join the IRT for a unique post-show community supper at Kountry Kitchen, located directly across from the Kennedy King Memorial Park. Playwright-in-Residence, James Still and actors from the show, will be there to meet patrons and have a discussion surrounding the themes of the production. Don't miss this opportunity to ‘gather around the table’ and engage in a meaningful conversation with your community.
RAY BOOMHOWER & WILMA MOORE, INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 AT AFTER THE 2 PM PERFORMANCE
Ray Boomhower and Wilma Moore come to the Upperstage on Sunday, November 1. Experts on Indiana history, Ray and Wilma will provide thought-provoking conversation and insight surrounding the events of April 4, 1968.
POST-SHOW DISCUSSION WITH DESMOND TUTU CENTER
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 AFTER THE 6:30 PM PERFORMANCE
Join the IRT for a post-show discussion featuring the Desmond Tutu Center Executive Director, Allen Boesak after the 6:30 PM performance. Dr. Boesak grew up in Western Cape, South Africa and is currently a visiting professor at Butler University and Christian Theological Seminar. Dr. Boesak is a theologian, humanitarian, prolific author and tireless advocate for social justice. His early activism and service led to international recognition as an influential leader in the fight against apartheid. During the 1980s and 1990s, he worked alongside Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela to lead efforts against apartheid and promote reconciliation. He has authored 17 books, and edited or co-edited four, in addition to publishing numerous articles on theology and politics.
POST-SHOW DISCUSSION WITH MODUPE LABODE, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY AND MUSEUM STUDIES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AFTER THE 7:30 PM PERFORMANCE
With an interest in African-American/African Diaspora, Women's History and Public History/Museum Studies, Associate Professor of History and Museum Studies Modupe Labode joins the IRT for a special post-show discussion on what life was like in Indianapolis during 1968.
Founded in 1972, the IRT is the largest and fully professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and has grown into one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of IRT is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.
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