Dallas Theater Center Announces Area-Wide Community Read of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Dallas Theater Center today announced the launch of an area-wide Community Read of To Kill a Mockingbird, in collaboration with Dallas Public Library. The Community Read coincides with the first co-production between DTC and Casa Mañana - an adaptation of the Harper Lee classic, To Kill A Mockingbird, which will be presented in both Dallas (Oct. 21 - Nov. 20) and Fort Worth (Sept. 24 - Oct. 2). The goal of DTC's Community Read is to encourage North Texans to read the book and see the play and then participate in community discussions about the themes of the work.

"Dallas Theater Center is committed to developing community-wide collaborations and partnerships in an effort to foster meaningful conversations on a broad scale," says DTC Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty. "Our co-production of To Kill a Mockingbird with Casa Mañana provides an incredible opportunity to engage our community, not only by inviting them to see our production, but also by encouraging them to read the book and embark on a conversational journey about the themes in the story."

Moriarty envisions book clubs and individuals throughout the region selecting the book for discussion and then attending events at the library and engaging in post-performance community dialogues at the theater. "Since it was first published in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird has had a profound impact on American's understanding of tolerance and justice," Moriarty says. "As one of the great American novels, a revered film, and a powerful stage play, Harper Lee's moving story still speaks to us today and has the power to spark powerful conversations throughout the community. Dallas Public Library, Dallas Theater Center, Casa Mañana and Fort Worth Public Library are committed to providing opportunities for people to come together to engage with the ideas and experiences in this classic novel."

Dallas Public Library will serve as the primary literary partner for the Community Read. Throughout the run of the play, DPL will host events and encourage reading groups throughout its 27 Dallas branches. "Dallas Theater Center is the largest professional theater company in North Texas," says DPL Interim Director of Libraries Corinne Hill. "By joining in partnership with Casa Mañana Theatre, they are launching the first-ever collaboration across this diverse metroplex, drawing people of all ages and experiences to read this classic work and witness its powerful portrayal on stage. It is a remarkable opportunity for Dallas Public Library to further our mission to link resources and enhance lives."

Community Read events begin with a screening of the classic film adaptation at Fort Worth Public Library and continue throughout the months of September and October with a week-long read of the entire book, a screening of Mary McDonagh Murphy's 2011 documentary Hey Boo, virtual book club discussions, DTC workshops and more. Together the organizations will reach more than 6.8 million people in the 19 counties of North Texas.

A schedule of Community Read and To Kill a Mockingbird events follows. For complete details about currently scheduled events, developing events, how to participate or how to purchase tickets for your group, please visit www.DallasTheaterCenter.org.

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