Manhattan Theatre Club will present two free performances of Stargate Theatre’s original piece, 5 Minutes to Midnight, August 18 and 19. Stargate, a project born of MTC Education’s Giving Voice initiative, employs young men with a history of involvement in the justice system.

The August 19 performance of 5 Minutes to Midnight will also be broadcast in real time on Facebook through MTC’s Facebook. Theatregoers wishing to see the show in person, performed at MTC – Stage II at New York City Center, should reserve in advance at StargateTheatre.com.

Part of the Giving Voice program, Stargate Theatre employs court-involved young men to write, rehearse, and perform a theatrical piece that reflects their identity, hopes, and dreams. 5 Minutes to Midnight is devised and performed by Stargate’s 2017 Sharon Sullivan Company and explores the bonds between friends and the relationships between fathers and sons.

Members of the 2017 Sharon Sullivan Company were guided by Stargate’s co-artistic directors, Emmy-winning playwright Judy Tate and director Stephen DiMenna. The piece weaves original scenes, stories, and poetry.

Stargate Theatre was launched by MTC in 2013. MTC Education has been working with youth facing the challenges of poverty, trauma, and involvement in the justice system for over 25 years. For more information visit ManhattanTheatreClub.com/Education/Stargate.

Watch the video below for a look at Stargate’s origins: