The Whidbey Island Center for the Arts will present the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "The Kentucky Cycle" April 9 through 24, the final production in WICA's Kentucky Project, an exploration of America's cultural heritage through its songs and stories.

The project began with a concert of the music of America and was followed by Play Party, songs and stories of Appalachia.

"The Kentucky Cycle" follows three fictional families in eastern Kentucky in an epic that spans 200 years of American history, from 1775 to 1975. The six-hour, nine-play cycle is has 33 actors portraying 70 characters and focuses on violence as a part of American life – whether racial, gender-based or environmental – and how each generation deals with this aspect of the country's character.

The plays are presented in two parts. Tickets range in price from $12 to $28, with discounts available for seniors, military, youth and groups. For the performance schedule and ticket information visit WICAonline.com or 800-638-7631.

The Kentucky Project also includes special events and community partnerships. Together with the Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island WICA is mounting an exhibition called Ties that Bind exploring the ancestry and relationship of the fictional Biggs, Rowen and Talbert families and the real events that shaped lives of the people of Appalachia.

WICA is also partnering with Good Cheer in "Our Lives, Our Land," two half-hours programs of stories with extensive audience participation taking place at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 17, in the Good Cheer Garden at the food bank, 2812 Grimm Road in Bayview. There will also be a sampling of food from Good Cheer Garden, a performance by WICA Chamber Singers and a raffle. Tickets are $5 and available at the WICA Ticket Office by calling 360-221-8268 or at Good Cheer on the day of the event. All proceeds will benefit the Good Cheer Food Bank.