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GUESTS: Charles Burnett and Judith Scott, Directors, Joanne Morris, Writer and producer, Haaz Sleiman, actor

As we approach the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday next Monday, a new stage project will commemorate the legacy of the legendary civil right leader. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Charles Burnett “Courage: The Content of Their Character,” is a multimedia trilogy written and produced by Joanne Morris. Staging over the holiday weekend, the project profiles social, political, and personal courage in serious and satirical performances. Eight original pieces explore topics including Dr. King’s impact on the untouchables of India, a garment worker’s protest and an Iraq soldier’s perspective on Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. “Courage,” also includes a musical tribute highlighting important moments in Dr. King’s life. For Uprising listeners, the weekend’s events will also feature a special music performance by our guest host, Thenmozhi Soundararajan.

The performances will be at the Highways Performance Space located at 1651 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 (off the corner of Olympic and 18th street).

Friday’s performance includes Part 1: The Challenge, and Part 2: The Tribute. Saturday’s performance includes Part 3: The Stand, with a reprise of The Tribute. The finale for both nights is a music performance by Lura Daniels-Ball.

Tickets are available for either night $20/general and $15/students, or both nights for a special discount package of $35/general and $25/students. For reservations/tickets, call 310-315-1459, or go to the Highways Performance Website at www.highwaysperformance.org.