Ford's Theatre Announces Lincoln Legacy Project Events

Paul R. Tetreault, Director of Ford's Theatre Society, announced the special event line-up for The Lincoln Legacy Project. Thematically connected with the Society's production of the musical "Parade" (September 23-October 30, 2011) and the 1913 trial and lynching of Jewish factory manager Leo Frank, this year's Legacy Project events explore a range of topics addressing racial and religious diversity, understanding and tolerance in American society.

Beginning in October, Ford's Theatre presents a month of free Monday night discussions featuring historians, journalists, congressional leaders and young adults. On October 3, Chris Matthews moderates a discussion about diversity and leadership titled "E Pluribus Unum: Seeking Unity, Respecting Diversity" featuring a panel of Congressional leaders. Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Cynthia Tucker moderates the October 10 program "Jews and Race Relations in the South," featuring playwright Alfred Uhry and historian Eli Evans. On October 17, Washington Post columnist Gene Robinson and members of the press explore the media's influence on the public's discourse on diversity. On October 24, Legacy Project Partner Operation Understanding D.C., a youth organization that brings together Jewish and African-American high school students, hosts an open discussion for their peers. Additional Ford's Theatre events for the Legacy Project include a free staged reading on October 1 of the compelling play "Anne and Emmett" by Janet Langhart Cohen about an imagined meeting between Anne Frank and hate crime victim Emmett Till; facilitated talk-backs following evening performances of "Parade" (except September 26 and 27); and special pre- and post-performance education programs for school groups and classroom teachers.

The Washington Jewish Film Festival at the Washington DCJCC will present a film screening of "The People v. Leo Frank" on October 18. This PBS documentary provides historical background on the Leo Frank trial and its shocking aftermath. The Atlas Performing Arts Center hosts a series of family events throughout October, including "Arts on the Horizon: Drumming with Dishes" (for children age 1-5), "Tales of My Friend Lincoln" (for ages 6 and up) with storyteller Bill Grimmette, and "City at Peace DC: What is Tolerance?" (for ages 14 and up).

Events for The Lincoln Legacy Project are presented in cooperation with several partner organizations including The Anti-Defamation League, the Atlas Performing Arts Center, D.C. Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the D.C. Chapter of the NAACP, Operation Understanding D.C. and Theater J. The Lincoln Legacy Project is made possible by Founding Sponsor Ronald O. Perelman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc., and additional support from the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation. The Washington Post is the Official Media Partner of The Lincoln Legacy Project.

Beginning September 12, tickets to Legacy Project events at Ford's Theatre may be reserved in person at the Ford's Theatre Box Office, through Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or online at www.fords.org. Ticketmaster fees apply. Groups of 20 or more may reserve tickets by calling (202) 638-2367. Tickets must be picked up by 6:45 p.m. to guarantee admittance. For more information about school and teacher programs, email education@fords.org or call (202) 434-9537.

"Every day in the news, we read or hear a story of someone driven to violence by their inability to tolerate or accept someone they see as an ‘other,'" said Director of Ford's Theatre Paul R. Tetreault. "Issues of equality and justice are as relevant today as they were in Abraham Lincoln's time, or in Leo Frank's America of 1913. Our hope for The Lincoln Legacy Project is that it becomes a springboard for local residents, visitors and national leaders to dialogue about these issues in a way that lead us closer towards eradicating discrimination."

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