The regional premiere adaptation brings to life Maya Angelou’s landmark memoir as she finds her voice, rises above the challenges of growing up black and female in the South during the 1930s, and learns to use her identity as a source of strength. Prime Stage honors the work of Dr. Angelou and others who use their voices to positively inspire others.

Prime Stage Theatre Company will present the regional premiere of the stage adaptation of Maya Angelou’s "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" at the New Hazlett Theater.  Angelou's literary memoir was adapted for a production earlier this year at Seattle’s Book-It Repertory Theatre. In its 21st season, Prime Stage brings it to the North Side theater March 9-18, 2018. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Monteze Freeland, a busy actor-director who also serves as Quantum Theatre’s director of education, will direct for Prime Stage, in a production that will include live music performed by pianist Robert Doswell of the Afro American Music Institute. Wayne Brinda, Prime Stage artistic producing director, said, "This story shows that it’s possible to demonstrate grace and humanity while dealing with extraordinarily adverse, life-altering situations."