KET is hosting a premiere screening of a new Kentucky Muse production, “Finding Higher Ground,” at the Edsel Godbey Appalachian Center of the Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College in Cumberland. The event, which takes place Tuesday at 6 p.m., is free and open to the public.

“Finding Higher Ground” follows the production and performance of “Higher Ground,” an original community play developed in response to the prescription drug abuse epidemic in eastern Kentucky. The play brought together a broad spectrum of community members, including more than 100 performers ranging in age from 2 to 80. The play also featured musical performances.

The screening will be preceded by a reception slated to be held in the lobby of Falkenstine Hall at 6 p.m. and sponsored by the Cumberland Tourism Commission and the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. Speakers include Bruce Ayers, president of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, and Robert Gipe, director of the Appalachian Center and director/actor in the production. Following the screening, KET producer Guy Mendes and Gipe will moderate a question and answer session with the audience.

The community play “Higher Ground,” from which the KET production was gleaned, was developed in 2005 by Jo Carson and Gerard Stropnicky. The play was once more presented to the public in 2006 and also last spring.

During the show’s final performance in April, KET videographers were on hand at Cumberland to record the performance. Segments of the original play will appear in the documentary in addition to interviews of cast members conducted at various locations throughout Harlan County.

“Finding Higher Ground” is set to air Jan. 8 at 10 p.m. on KET1.