CARY, NC – At 6:01 p.m. on April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, and on Saturday, April 4, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 6:01 p.m., the Town of Cary will present a one-act dramatization honoring King’s life entitled, “From Birmingham to Memphis”, at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop.  Presented by the H.O.U.S.E. Theatre Arts Group, the free performance will highlight moments in King’s life from his letter from the Birmingham jail to his final speech in Memphis ; a question and answer session with the performers will follow the show.

“Everyone is invited to this unique and educational event that will pay tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy,” said Cultural Arts Manager Lyman Collins.  “We’re looking forward to bringing the community together to reflect upon King’s life and works.”

Founded by James House, the H.O.U.S.E. Theatre Arts Group is a Cary-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting economically-challenged youth and families through the power of the arts.  Performers include gospel singer William Taylor. 

This event is a collaboration of three Town-funded cultural groups – The MLK, Jr. Task Force, the Ujima Group and the H.O.U.S.E. Theatre Arts Group.  The play is designed to increase awareness and help further the mission of these groups to educate the public and provide information about African-American culture, as well as this significant era in American history. 

In addition to this event, H.O.U.S.E. Theatre Arts Group seeks to provide a positive experience and instruction in theatre, dance and other art forms, which results in broadened exposure in the area of multi-cultural arts and education.  The MLK, Jr. Task Force celebrates the life, work and vision of Dr. MLK, Jr. with the MLK, Jr. Dreamfest each January, and the Ujima Group, Inc. celebrates African-American History with the African-American Celebration each February, as well as Cary ’s Kwanzaa Celebration each December.

For more, call (919) 460-4963.

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