News Release

Theatre Company Production Benefits Detroit Area Homeless

The University of Detroit Mercy Theatre Company announces a special benefit production of “Unheard Voices; Homeless Monologues,” conceived and directed by retiring theatre professor Yolanda Fleischer. The latest production is a play that will address the homelessness epidemic we live with in Southeast Michigan. “Unheard Voices” will be performed on Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 28 at 2 p.m. The unique show will take place in the Student Center Fountain Lounge on the McNichols Campus, 4001 W. McNichols. All proceeds from the production will benefit the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND). HAND is a membership-based organization that aims to reduce and eliminate homelessness through planning and implementing housing and service programs.

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“Unheard Voices” was written by members of the UDM Theatre Community from real life experiences gathered by interviewing many individuals that were found on the streets that were or are currently homeless. The goal of this production is to make all of us aware of the many voices, lives, visions, hopes, dreams, pains and spirits that exist in our communities, and to raise funds to help others.

The UDM Theatre Company will host a Gala Premiere on Friday night. Tickets for the Gala Premiere are $100, $75 and $50, which include a strolling dinner, performance and a coffee and dessert afterglow. Additional financial support will be raised through a silent auction at the Gala Premiere. The “Unheard Voices” performances on February 27 and 28 will be general admission and open to the public. These performances will be on a “Pay-What-You-Can” basis for admission. While a donation of $16 per person is suggested, clean clothes on a hanger will also be accepted as donation.

The University is thankful for the support received from the United States Census Bureau, Two Men and a Truck, Think Arbor and Between the Lines.

For more information, contact the UDM Theatre Company at 313-993-3270. To purchase tickets to the Gala Premiere please call 313-993-1540 or email udmgrad@udmercy.edu.

Release date: February 15, 2010

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