Matrix Theatre Company to Present BEST OF ENEMIES

Racial prejudice and school desegregation are the themes of Matrix Theatre Company's upcoming play by Mark St. Germain opening Friday, February 20. Based on the book by Osha Gray Davidson, BEST OF ENEMIES tells the true story of the efforts of an Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan and an African-American civil rights activist as Durham, North Carolina underwent public school desegration in 1971. The show continues through Sunday, March 15. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 pm, with Sunday performances at 3 pm. All productions are presented at Matrix theatre Company, located at 2730 Bagley in the heart of Detroit's Mexicantown. Ticket prices range from $15 to $20. Group rates are available. For further information or to order tickets, go to www.matrixtheatre.org, or call 313-967-0599.

Directed by Kelly Komlen, BEST OF ENEMIES takes place in the early 1970s, when Ann Atwater, an African-American civil rights activist, and CP Ellis, an Exalted Cyclops of the Durham Ku Klux Klan, found themselves on the same side of the public school integration debate and were appointed co-chairs of a committee to resolve problems surrounding the court-ordered school desegregation process. The play portrays how their initial distrust and hatred evolved into a deep friendship as they gradually found common ground and overcame their hatred for the good of the community.

"Last year, when we chose BEST OF ENEMIES as one of the shows for this season, we couldn't have known how timely the story would be," shared Matrix Artistic Director Megan Buckley - Ball. "This is a very thought-provoking story that is sure to get audiences talking. We're excited to be able to present some really special post-show audience engagement activities, too."

Celebrating 24 years as a non-profit, community-based theatre, the award-winning Matrix Theatre Company is located in southwest Detroit. To build community, improve lives, and foster social justice, Matrix Theatre Company teaches, creates, and shares theatre as an instrument of transformation. Matrix often creates everything from scratch, from puppets of all sizes to more than 140 original plays. For further information or to follow Matrix on Facebook, Twitter and Blogger, go to matrixtheatre.org.

Photo: Actor Dez Cortez