As part of an advance for Bainbridge Performing Arts’ highly-anticipated production of “Snow Falling On Cedars” this March, Island Theatre will present “Dear Editor,” a dramatic reading of selected historic community letters to the Bainbridge Island Review from the 1940s through the 1970s to illustrate the  crucial role of a local paper in community life, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Bainbridge Public Library.

“Dear Editor” was originally produced by Island Theatre as part of the 2004 Bainbridge Island Humanities Inquiry, “Breaking News: The State of Today’s Information Media.”

The readings include letters on vital – and reoccurring – Bainbridge issues such as off-leash dogs in Winslow, what to do about newcomers, rowdy teenagers, all-island government and, of course, the ferries.

Central to the play, however, are letters both for and against the exclusion of Bainbridge Island’s Japanese residents during World War II as well as letters for and against their return to the island at the end of the war.

“Dear Editor” is directed by Diane Bankart and features Island Theatre board members as readers.

Admission to this event is free.

BPA’s outreach programs for “Snow Falling On Cedars” are supported in part by a grant from Humanities Washington, a state-wide non-profit organization supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Washington, and contributions from individuals and foundations.