The Burning Coal Theatre Company of Raleigh, NC, will present the world premiere reading of Brass Birds Don't Sing by Samm-Art Williams on Thursday, Nov. 15.

The play concerns two Jewish sisters, refugees from the Holocaust in the early 1950s. As they try to put their lives back together, a journalist looking to get a hot story threatens to ruin the sisters' lives.

The North Carolina Arts Council has presented the Burning Coal company with a grant to produce a workshop of the play. Following the reading on Thursday, the audience will be able to discuss the work with the playwright (best known for the Broadway comedy-drama Home), director Jerome Davis and the cast, which includes David Dossey, David Henderson, Phil Crone, Meredith Sause and Elizabeth London. Williams will then revise the play based on the feedback and performance and it will be presented in its new form on Feb. 7, 2002.

Tickets are $5, $3 for students and seniors and free for Burning Coal subscribers. Reservations (first come, first served) and information can be obtained by calling (919) 388-0066.

— By Steve Luber