Mei Ann Teo will direct the readings of Bain's one-man play, which will be presented at 8 PM Jan. 22-24 at Urban Stages. Set and lighting designs are provided by Kristen Adams.

Press notes for the developing work read: "Weaving together hip-hop, theater, spoken word, and song, Byronn Bain's LYRICS from LOCKDOWN, The Ugly Side of Beauty takes a no hold barred journey that reveals how race and prisons, poverty and privilege, reflect underlying inequities in our 'progressive' America. As this country looks to swear in its first Black President, Bain's one man show takes no prisoners as it confronts the unresolved contradictions we will continue to face in the next century."

In 2000 Bain was named the Nuyorican Grand Slam Poetry Champion. In addition to his work lecturing at universities across the world, Bain collaborated with Jay Z and Dead Prez for his debut album "Problem Child," a fusion of hip hop, spoken word, reggae and world music.

Tickets for LYRICS from LOCKDOWN are free. For reservations phone (212) 695-5131 or e-mail [email protected].

Urban Stages is located at 259 West 30th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues). For more information visit UrbanStages.