Living Voices to present "Right to Dream" for schools countywide and in a free public performance

Living Voices will present “The Right to Dream,” a compelling story of the struggle and sacrifice for civil rights in America, for south county schools April 24 to April 28, for north county schools May 1 to May 5, and in a special free public performance from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 5 at the Leni Fe Bland Forum at Santa Barbara City College.

The project is sponsored by the Beyond Tolerance Center.

“The Right to Dream,” written by Rachel Atkins, is the story of a young person’s coming of age in Mississippi during the 1950s and ‘60s. It illuminates the issues of civil rights and leads audiences to understand how the fight against prejudice has shaped our history. Combining a live performer with archival film footage, Living Voices offers a unique and unforgettable educational experience.

After touring north and south county schools, Living Voices will perform at a special recognition reception saluting County Superintendent Bill Cirone for his decade of support for the Beyond Tolerance Center. Admission is free but reservations are required because seating is limited. Further information is available from the Beyond Tolerance Center, at 898-2700 or abud@sbceo.org.

The performer, Valerie Viramontes, was born and raised in East Los Angeles and now lives in New York City. She completed her scholarship training at Freehold Theatre Lab Studio in Seattle in 2004. Valerie has also attended the University of Washington where she studied Political Science and Drama. Her most memorable roles include Angel in Jose Rivera's Marisol, the role of Stage Manager in Our Town and the role of Nettie in Spirits of the Commonplace at the Seattle Fringe Festival.