City Theatre to Host Book Release for Daniel Beaty's TRANSFORMING PAIN TO POWER, 2/23

City Theatre hosts a book release event for Transforming Pain to Power, a new book by award-winning actor, singer, and writer Daniel Beaty. Presented in association with Penguin Books, the free event takes place at City Theatre on Sunday, February 23, 2014 from 6-7:30pm and includes a panel discussion, presentation, and book signing.

Drawn from Daniel Beaty's powerful, true journey from a childhood rife with poverty, incarceration, addiction, and rage to the successful adult life he has achieved, Transforming Pain to Power presents the tools that readers need to overcome any obstacle and tap into their full capabilities.

Beaty's story-supported by deeply personal advice from notable mentors including Bill Cosby, Leontyne Price, Sydney Poitier, Ossie Davis, and Ruby Dee-serves as a poignant reminder that success is ultimately possible, not in spite of struggles but as a result of lessons learned and power gained from those conflicts.

EVENT SCHEDULE

6:00pm - Panel Discussion
A panel of special guests will speak about art and its relationship with social justice and activism as well as about issues of mass incarceration and its effects on youth and families.

6:20pm - Performance
Daniel Beaty shares his journey from growing up with a father who was a heroin addict/dealer and an older brother who was addicted to crack cocaine, to discovering his purpose by watching Dr. King, graduating from Yale University, and developing his career as an internationally renowned actor, singer, and writer. This presentation is about the triumph of faith over adversity and includes poetry, music, and character excerpts from his award-winning plays.

7:05pm - Book Signing
A meet & greet and book signing with Daniel Beaty will take place in City Theatre's Gordon Lounge following the performance.

Admission: FREE with registration at 412.431.CITY (2489) or citytheatrecompany.org

Daniel Beaty's plays Through the Night and Breath & Imagination were produced by City Theatre in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Written, directed, and performed by Beaty, Through the Night was described as a "tour de force" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 24, 2012). Likewise, City Theatre's world premiere of Breath & Imagination, co-produced with Hartford Stage, received praise from critics and audiences alike. Beaty is an award-winning actor, singer, writer, and composer. He holds a BA with Honors in English and Music from Yale University and an MFA in Acting from the American Conservatory Theatre.

City Theatre is now in its 39th season. Located on Pittsburgh's historic South Side, City Theatre specializes in new plays, commissioning and producing work by playwrights including Daniel Beaty, Jessica Dickey, Christopher Durang, Michael Hollinger, Willy Holtzman, Tarell McCraney, and Theresa Rebeck. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Tracy Brigden, Managing Director Mark R. Power, and a 45-member Board of Directors, City Theatre's mission is to provide an artistic home for the development and production of contemporary plays of substance and ideas that engage and challenge a diverse audience. CityTheatreCompany.org.