In response to the stellar success of last year's MLK re-enactment, the Game Loft has decided to continue it as an annual tradition. This year, the commemorative event will include a new chapter of the segment called “Issues on Trial.” Last year Issues on Trial debated the Fugitive Slave Law of the 1850’s. This year the event is part of The Game Loft’s study of the 1950’s and 1960’s in its Eureka Learning Program. In this event Jonah Chandler, played by Luke Merrithew of Belfast, will face the consequences of refusing to register for the draft in the 1960’s. He will be defended by attorney Orrin Brown of Belfast with the prosecutor being played by Bangor attorney, Jim Munch. This issue has particular resonance for Martin Luther King Day because in 1967 Dr. King denounced the Viet Nam War in his speech, “A Time to Break Silence.” This event will give participants and audience members a look at the turbulent ‘60’s and their impact on the lives of average Americans.

 Issues on Trial will be held on January 17, 2011 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast on 37 Miller Street. The doors open to the public at 1:00 pm with the trial running from 1:45 until 4:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. The public is invited to watch or participate in this live courtroom event. The event will be covered live by BC-TV2. Vietnam protest musician, Vince Gabriel, recently showcased on National Pubic Radio’s Soundprints, will be on hand to perform his original music. Audience members may also volunteer to sit on the jury. This free event is funded in part by: The Maine Community Foundation, the Maine Humanities Council, the Maine Commission for Community Service, and the AmeriCorps*VISTA program.

For more information please contact: Patricia Estabrook at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it