Coastal Carolina University theater professor Greg London will give a talk titled Songs of the Marginalized: Politicized Voices, a discussion of how the American musical theater has provided means of expression for many groups of social outsiders, on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at Coastals Waccamaw Higher Education Center in Litchfield.

The free discussion is part of the universitys Cultural Controversies series, the fourth annual community forum sponsored by the Board of Visitors of Coastals Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts. These community dialogues are designed to involve area citizens and Coastal faculty members in discussions about significant issues.

Since its origins, the American musical theater has been a place where societys others could have a voice, says London. Historically, these characters, their songs and the contextual themes in which they are presented transcend cultural, social and political boundaries and provide insight into the hearts and minds of Americas under-represented.

London will offer examples of this phenomenon, performing a selection of songs and discussing each song as it relates to the culturally marginalized. Many of the songs are from popular Broadway shows, including several from the recent hit Wicked. A group of Coastal students will also take part in the program.

London is in his fourth year as assistant professor of performing arts at Coastal. He earned a bachelors degree in music education, a bachelors degree in studio art and a master of fine arts degree in contemporary performance from Arizona State University. He also attended the London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts. London directed the Coastal Carolina University Theater productions Bat Boy The Musical, City of Angels, The Bakers Wife and Cabaret. Prior to coming to Coastal, London was head of acting and directing at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla.

For more information call the Waccamaw Higher Education Center at (843) 349-4030.