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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
International Lena ProjectSponsorshipFeb. 24,2005 -- NEW WORKS WRITERS SERIES’ TO SING FOR LENA! Dear Community Supporters, “Who Will Sing For Lena?” written by Atlanta based playwright and Toledo native Janice Liddell will be performed as a staged reading, in an unprecedented simultaneous World Premier, by selected actresses in different parts of the world. The Lena Project will be launched on 5th March 2005, to mark the 60th anniversary of Baker’s execution. New Works will present a staged reading and wine-tasting on March 12, 2005 at 7pm at the Blueprint. On 5th March 1945, Lena Baker was executed in Georgia, USA. Now, 60 Years later, New Works has answered a calling that will give a voice to the silenced woman. Through a captivating one-woman play commemorating her life and tragic death, finally, Lena’s story will be heard. Your organization is being called upon to give the necessary sponsorship support as New Works represents Toledo in the international theatrical arena. The Lena Baker story deserves to be heard and in March, New Works will give Lena that voice. Your organization’s donation will become part of a special sponsors’ website and playbill which will be available the night of the performance along with the petition to be signed for Lena’s pardon. ‘Who Will Sing for Lena?’ tells the sometimes graphic story of the only woman ever to be executed by electric chair in Georgia, for killing a white man who had persistently abused and raped her. Baker maintained it was self-defense to the very end, but a miscarriage of justice saw her being put to death by a brutal system. Lena’s family and members of the Baptist church she attended, continue their battle with the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to clear her name. There is no doubt that audiences will be moved by Liddell’s vivid account of Lena’s story and New Works’ performers Geneva Chapman and Grant Walker and director Imelda Hunt’s rendition of the play. Toledo produced an amazing group of artist not with standing, Liddell who graduated from Scott High School and gone on to be a professor at Clark Atlanta University but a world renowned playwright. New Works welcomes the opportunity to present her work in Toledo but also to be apart of The Lena Project. Women’s groups are already responding well to the project given its stark, truthful representations of a problem that sadly continues to plague many cities and countries, including other countries like Jamaica where the play will also be performed. ‘Who Will Sing for Lena?’ demands that society face the consequences of the continued abuse of its women. Contact us at 419.380.8464 or by email: director@newworkswritersseries.org. You may also send your tax deductible check to New Works Writers Series, 1548 Glenton Dr., Toledo., OH. 43615.
Sincerely,
Imelda Hunt, Artistic Director
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