Two evenings of readings of the play “Heroes,” translated by Tom Stoppard. “Heroes” tells the  story of three older World War I veterans in a retirement home. 

The events will take place at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree, with efforts led by UC Riverside's professor of playwriting, Charles Evered. 

The production is being directed by Howard Shangraw, artistic director of the Hi-Desert Playhouse, and stars Shangraw, Barry Cutler, and Patrick O’Neill in the three-character comedy.  

Ticket sales from the event will benefit the CJE House, a non-profit artist residency program designed to offer veteran artists and those who serve in conflict zones, such as combat journalists and war photographers, with a space to fully concentrate on their work. The CJE House was co-founded by Evered in honor of his own father, a World War II veteran.