The decade and a half that began in the mid-1960s is arguably the block of time that has had the most influence on the City of Milwaukee.

It was a time of the impact of the expressway system which divided the city. It was a time of civil rights activism, Father James Groppi, the battle over school integration and the ascension of militant protest by both blacks and whites.

Jonathan Gillard Daly has written a play about that time and "To the Promised Land" opens at First Stage Children's Theatre Friday, Jan. 25 for a two-week run.

The play focuses on a young black girl who leans on the story of Golda Meir, the first female prime minister of Israel, who grew up in Milwaukee. The play is an intimate portrait of the relationship between Milwaukee's Jewish and black communities and will surely inspire discussion and thought.

The impact of the play is expected to be so profound that public television will tape the show and broadcast it at a later date, as well as making it available for schools and community groups.

"To The Promised Land" marks the second play in First Stage's Wisconsin Cycle, a new play development effort celebrating the history and people of Wisconsin through a series of plays, associated workshops, special events and educational initiatives.

Ticket information is available at firststage.org.