As March quickly approaches, Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem, PA looks to get the cold weather and economic climate off of people's minds with two sizzling, thought provoking shows about diversity. The Mammy Project, created and performed by Michelle Matlock who is currently in rehearsal for an upcoming Cirque du Soleil production, takes the stage March 12 through March 15 and is followed by Self (The Remix) starring Robert Karimi, a National Poetry Slam Champion, on March 19 to March 22.

The Mammy Project intertwines the words of Frederick Douglass and Halle Q. Brown with original music and storytelling. The story surrounds Nancy Green, first African American actress to play the iconic role of "Aunt Jemima" at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, and African American activists like Ida B. Wells, who struggled to have Black representation at the same fair. Matlock transforms oppressive stereotype into a celebration of the power acquired from understanding our history, and her show has been described by Jason Jacobs of The New York Theatre Experience as "an open exploration of an evolving issue that is too complicated, and fascinating, to contain in a box."

Robert Karimi follows Matlock the next weekend with Self (The Remix). Karimi, the first generation child of Iranian and Guatemalan immigrants, uses stories, music, and movement in the struggle to understand manhood, nationhood, and neighborhood. Music especially is prominent in the piece, including a sound design of 80's hip-hop, 70's disco, house music, and punk rock spun live by DJ D Double, who has appeared in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City and has opened for acts such as Wu Tang Clan and Mystikal. Karimi has gained much acclaim from this work, which has toured all over the country, and Deborah Martin of the San Antonio Express-News says he "tells his stories with great wit and snap, leaving the audience wanting more."

Themes in The Mammy Project and language and scenarios in Self (The Remix) encourage mature students to attend. Elements and content of each production can be discussed at talk back sessions immediately following every performance. Tickets for both shows are $15 for regular admission and $13 for students and seniors. The Thursday night performances offer "Pay what you will at the door," where patrons who purchase tickets at the theatre on the night of the performance may set their own ticket price. Tickets may be purchased in person at Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. Fourth St., online at www.lvartsboxoffice.org , or by calling the box office at 610-867-1689.

Celebrating over twenty-five years of creative work, Touchstone Theatre is dedicated to being an active force in the renewal of theatre as a vital art form. At our heart is a resident professional Ensemble rooted in both the local community of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the international community of the actor/creator. Please visit www.touchstone.org for more details.