'Freedom Riders' to Explore a Critical Chapter in the Civil Rights Movement

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Freedom Riders will explore the valiant and courageous personalities behind one of the most critical chapters in the history of the civil rights movement. The performance, part of the ninth annual Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2022, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center.

Freedom Riders is a new play, with original songs and music, from Mad River Theater Works. It is set in 1961 when bus lines and cities throughout the South still enforced a rigid system of separating Black and White citizens. The Freedom Riders - both Black and White Americans - decided to travel together on buses that crossed state lines purposefully disregarding the hateful segregation practices that were still commonplace in so many parts of the United States.

Freedom Riders demonstrates the importance of working together to effect change and specifically how non-violent protest was used to combat the cruelties of segregation. The unforgettable heroes and facts behind the events portrayed in the play are essential to a full understanding of the civil rights era and America history.

Mad River Theater Works is an Ohio-based acclaimed touring ensemble that creates vibrant and evocative plays with music for families and young audiences based on American history and folklore.

Freedom Riders is part of UD's Captain Robert L. Martin Black Heritage Tribute program initiative made possible, in part, through the City of Dubuque's Arts and Culture Special Projects grant funds.

Tickets for Freedom Riders can be purchased from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to events at the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque, 2255 Bennett Street; by phone at 563.585.SHOW; or online at www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.

The Farber Box Office will be closed Tuesday, December 21, 2021, through Friday, December 31, 2021. Regular box office hours will resume Monday, January 3, 2022. During the holiday closure, a 25 percent discount will be available on all January event tickets for general public, UD faculty and staff, alumni, parents of current UD students, military-affiliated, and veterans. Ticket discounts only apply to online purchases during this time period when online convenience fees of $3.00 per ticket will also be waived.

Patrons may choose four to eight winter/spring events to customize a subscription order at a discount of five to 20 percent. Patrons may also add special events to a subscription at a discount. Other subscriber benefits include discounted companion tickets, priority seating, reduced fees, payment plan options, and advance purchasing privileges.

Order forms are available online at www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter and for pick-up at the Farber Box Office. To request a season brochure, please call the box office at 563.585.SHOW.