Matrix Theatre Sets Special Events for DREAM DEFERRED: DETROIT, 1967

Matrix Theatre Company has announced a full line up of its signature post-show events for Matrix's original production, Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967, running June 2 through June 25 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM.

These events are scheduled to take place following individual performances throughout the run. This additional programming, which includes discussions, Q and A sessions with artists, and more, is designed to allow audiences the opportunity to openly engage with the subjects and discuss themes addressed in the production.

All performances are presented at Matrix Theatre Company, located at 2730 Bagley Avenue in the heart of Mexicantown, and all post-show events are free with the price of admission. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, seniors, active military personnel, and veterans and may be purchased in advance or, if available, at the door. Group rates are also available. For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.matrixtheatre.org or call (313) 967-0599.

"We are in a unique position to be able to offer exciting additional programming in support of Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967," said Megan Buckley-Ball, Matrix's Artistic Director. "The stories and themes this show recalls are on the minds of many Detroiters this summer, and we value the meaningful dialogue that our shows incite. We are eager to create the spaces where diverse ideas, voices, and experiences are shared, and our post-show events for this production aim to fill this need."

Reflecting on a formative moment in our city's history, this original production unearths, for the first time, real interviews recorded by Dr. Xavier Nicholas following that summer's uprising. Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967 gives voice to the unique experiences and perspectives of a cross-section of Detroiters to find out what really happened and how we can learn from the pain of our shared past. The post-show events are programmed around the themes.

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Detailed Schedule of Post-show Events:

Opening Night Reception, Friday, June 2: Join us for opening night and stick around after the show for a complimentary reception. Mix and mingle with the cast and creative team and discuss the production while you enjoy delicious appetizers and desserts.

The Creation of Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967, Sunday, June 4: Learn more about how this world premiere production came to be in this Q and A discussion with the creators of the show. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Xavier Nicholas, Megan Buckley-Ball, David Wolber, and Dr. Harvey Reed as they chat about origin and the generative process used to make the show.

A Talkback with the Cast, Friday, June 9: Melissa Beckwith, Joshua R. Brown, Katie Fullerton, JoNathan Jones, and Mike Sandusky sit down with patrons to discuss the process of putting Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967 on its feet, and other aspects of being a part of the world premiere production. Audiences have the opportunity to ask actors questions in an intimate setting.

Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967 is produced by MGM Grand Detroit, Dr. Joseph B. and Lynn Stevens Naoum, The Brennan Group, Optik Birmingham, and in honor and memory of Detroit Fire Fighters who serve their city.

In addition to regularly scheduled performances, the final dress rehearsal on Thursday, June 1 is a "Pay What You Can" performance. Beginning this season and in order to help eliminate the barrier between audiences and live theatre, patrons can choose to pay whatever amount they want at the door to see the preview show of Dream Deferred: Detroit, 1967. Tickets will be available that evening only on a first-come-first-served basis and cannot be purchased or reserved in advance. Doors open at 7:30PM for the 8PM performance. Visit www.matrixtheatre.org or call the box office for further information.

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Celebrating more than 25 years as a non-profit community-based theatre, Matrix Theatre Company is located in southwest Detroit and uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community and foster social justice. Go to matrixtheatre.org for further information. Matrix Theatre Company's Mainstage Season is sponsored by O'Brien Construction Company and MGM Grand Detroit, and is funded in part by Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and The Kresge Foundation.

Pictured: A post-show talkback with the director and cast of Matrix's 2016 production of Sizwe Bansi is Dead. Photo by Megan Buckley-Ball.