Story of Harriet Tubman comes to life on Jan. 20

The story of Harriet Tubman, the great conductor on the Underground Railroad, and the Quaker women who helped her bring 300 fugitives to freedom will be dramatized in a performance of Are You Ready, My Sister? at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 20, in Mitchell Hall, as part of the Family Performing Arts Series.

The production of the Underground Railway Theater features audience participation, dramatic scenes and live music based on spirituals.

During the story, which is told by two actresses/puppeteers, individual squares of a gigantic patchwork quilt burst with life through the magic of shadow puppets and scenery painted in brilliant colors.

In addition to providing a fascinating and imaginative setting, the quilt also stands as a metaphor of women's work and collaboration, factors both central to the success of the Underground Railroad.

Tickets are $10 for the general public; $8 for faculty, staff, alumni and seniors; and $6 for students and children and may be purchased by calling the Hartshorn Hall box office at 831-2204 or by visiting the box office at the corner of Academy Street and Park Place in Newark. Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

A special buffet luncheon will be available before the performance at the Blue and Gold Club. The buffet begins at 12:30 p.m., with a menu that includes Conductor's Chicken Fingers, Tubman's Tettrazini and Harriet's Chocolate Cake. Cost is $12.50 for adults and $6.50 for children ages 5 to 11, gratuity included. For reservations and information, call 831-2582.

The Performing Arts Series is made possible, in part, by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency committed to promoting and supporting the arts in Delaware, as well as support from Barba & Reynolds Insurance Agency, Embassy Suites-Newark/Wilmington South and Arby's.