Performances of "Letter from Birmingham Jail" -- David Greer and HartBeat Ensemble (for Jan. 20, 2014 commemoration) - Glastonbury, CT

"Letter from Birmingham Jail" and its relevance in 2014 (fifty years since its writing in April 1963): “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote these words in his famous Letter from Birmingham Jail, his response to an open letter from eight white clergy from Alabama urging him to halt nonviolent demonstrations against segregation in Birmingham, citing them as “unwise and untimely”. King felt compelled to respond, and his letter tells why the black community could wait no longer. The time was April, 1963. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Letter from Birmingham Jail, a landmark in the civil rights movement and the literature of social justice. The Glastonbury Martin Luther King Community Initiative proudly highlights this powerful and prophetic letter by bringing together performances by Tony-nominated producer, playwright, actor and choreographer, David Greer; and HartBeat Ensemble, a CT-based performance company creating theatrical presentations based on contemporary issues. Mr. Greer’s performance provides an intimate and emotionally dynamic portrayal of Dr.King as he delivers excerpts of the Letter. HartBeat will explore the continued relevance of the Letter for today, and invite the audience to respond to the issues raised by Dr. King. The performance incorporates a 2013 response to the Letter by Christian Churches Together USA. Deacon Arthur Miller, Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of Hartford, will also join us to provide a historical backdrop to the events of 1963 Birmingham. Our program will also include choral selections performed by Glastonbury High School Madrigals. SAVE THE DATE! We hope you will join us for this free community program. Glastonbury’s 13th Annual MLK Celebration: Monday, January 20, 2014 at 7pm at Smith Middle School 216 Addison Rd, Glastonbury, Connecticut, USA For further information contact: Glastonbury Martin Luther King Community Initiative 860-643-0473 or 860-633-8284