In the mid-nineties, performance artist Michael Keck began holding drama workshops in prisons where he encountered a disproportionate number of African-American males. Keck was inspired to shape the stories of these young inmates’ lives into a provocative, 90-minute solo performance. “Voices in the Rain” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at DePaul University’s Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Dr.

Keck, who wrote the script and music for “Voices in the Rain,” offers stories and songs that explore the plight of America’s urban black male – a plight that often leads to drugs, death or incarceration in one of the country’s growing number of penal institutions. “Voices in the Rain” is directed by Steven Kent.

“The play is based on the lives of the disproportionately high numbers of incarcerated minority men,” said Keck. “The majority of these men are actually youth for whom prison has become a right of passage – a badge of honor.”

“Voices in the Rain” is being brought to Chicago by the DePaul Humanities Center. Keck will be in residence at the center from September 28 through October 15. He will share his work with students and faculty through writing and performing workshops, story circles and use of interactive theater techniques aimed at community building. He will also collaborate with community youth, theater and activist groups in their work with former and current.

“We are so excited to be able to introduce to Chicago an actor, composer, and prison activist who has been featured on stages across the country,” said Jacqueline Taylor, director of the Humanities Center. “Keck uses monologues, songs and humor to introduce audiences to an array of characters whose lives and motivations are presented with insight, respect and honesty.”

As an actor, composer and sound artist, Keck’s work has been featured at the Kennedy Center, Washington’s Arena Stage, the Illusion Theater in Minneapolis and the Cincinnati Playhouse. Keck is also co-author, composer and host of the Holidays for Children video series. His roster of residencies at colleges and universities includes Cornell, Duke, St. John’s and the University of Michigan. On Oct. 3, Keck will perform excerpts from his show as part of a workshop on bringing the arts and humanities to incarcerated and at-risk populations. The workshop, made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council, will be held on DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus and is free and open to the public. For additional information about the workshop and other DePaul Humanities Center events, call 773/325-4580 or visit the center’s Web site at www.depaul.edu/~humctr.

Tickets for “Voices in the Rain” can be purchased by calling the Merle Reskin Theater box office at 312/922-1999. Ticket prices are $12 for general admission, $10 for DePaul faculty, staff, alumni and corporate partners, and $6 for students.