People's Light & Theatre Company presents SPLITTIN' THE RAFT, running May 9 - June 10, 2007 on the Steinbright Stage. SPLITTIN' THE RAFT is directed by Jade King Carroll and was written by Scott Kaiser. People's Light & Theatre is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern. For tickets call 610-644-3500 or visit www.peopleslight.org.

SPLITTIN' THE RAFT is a new play by Scott Kaiser that premiered at the Marin Theatre Company in Mill Valley, California in 2005. In it, Mark Twain's groundbreaking novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn comes to life onstage in an evocative retelling. Four actors tell of Huck Finn's struggle with his conscience and his friend Jim's struggle toward freedom, while traditional spirituals and the eloquent speeches of Frederick Douglass are juxtaposed with Huck's and Jim's story to provide social commentary and context. This production is highlighted with many different special events and panel discussions surrounding the performances for a more enriching experience.

SPLITTIN' THE RAFT Events

PRE-SHOW CONVERSATIONS
Thursdays, May 17, May 24, May 31 and June 7, 2007, 6:15-7:15pm
Places! Bistro
Join us for informal, provocative discussions before the show. Hosted by scholars la tonya thames taylor, Ph.D., member of the Frederick Douglass Institute and Professor of History at West Chester University; Deirdre Pettipiece, Ph.D., Department Chair, Communications and Modern Languages at Cheney University of Pennsylvania; and Lawrence Little, Ph.D., professor of African American History at Villanova University. Conversation topics will be:
. May 17: "Douglass and Twain - A Friendship" (Pettipiece hosting)
. May 24: "Teaching Twain Today" (Pettipiece hosting)
. May 31: "Gender, Injustice, Terrorism, and Frederick Douglass" (thames taylor hosting)
. June 7: "Teaching African American History with Huck Finn" (Little hosting)
Free! Drinks and appetizers will be available for purchase.

POST-SHOW TALKBACKS
Thursdays, May 17, May 24, May 31 and June 7, 2007, after the show
Steinbright Stage
Meet the actors and historians after the show for a lively Q & A about Splittin' the Raft-the historic and present-day issues it raises, its production techniques, the actors' craft in developing their characters, and other performance topics. Free!

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TOUR, LUNCH, AND SHOW PACKAGE
Sunday, May 20, 2007, 10am-4pm
Meet in the People's Light parking lot at 10am for a bus tour of Underground Railroad houses and sites in Kennett Square. Tour guides from the Kennett Square Underground Railroad Center will highlight the people and places that played key parts in Chester County's Abolitionist Movement. The bus returns to People's Light in time for a light lunch before the 2pm matinee of Splittin' the Raft. Ticket Price: $50 for tour, lunch, and performance. Special Family Four-Pack $160. If you already have tickets for the show, add the tour and lunch for $30. (If you exchange your lower-priced tickets for this 2pm performance, you may pay an upgrade fee.)

PRESENTING MR. FREDERICK DOUGLASS
Saturday, May 26, 2007, 5-6:30pm
Steinbright Stage
Noted actor Fred Morsell performs his hour-long one-man show, Presenting Mr. Frederick Douglass. Following the performance, there will be a panel discussion with Fred Morsell and featured historians. Ticket Price: $10 for adults; $5 for children age 12 and under Afterwards, a cookout buffet will be available for purchase for $10.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION!
Kim and Reggie Harris in Concert
Saturday, June 2, 2007, 5pm
Steinbright Stage
A performance of original contemporary folk music and traditional African-American Spiritual and Freedom Songs. For over 30 years, Kim and Reggie have been reaching out and grabbing an audience by the heart as they sing of life, love, the quest for freedom and care for the environment, with musical versatility and beautiful vocal harmonies. A special musical treat for the whole family! Ticket Price: $10 for adults; $5 for children age 12 and under Afterwards, a cookout buffet will be available for purchase for $10.

HOW TO RESERVE FOR EVENTS
Reservations are necessary for ALL events. For tickets and reservations, call the box office at 610.644.3500. For groups of 10 or more, call 610.647.1900, ext. 191 or email group@peopleslight.org. Seating is limited for some events, so reserve early!