Hope College is featuring the classical ensemble The 5 Browns in two different ways. First, the Hope College Great Performance Series will host The 5 Browns on Friday, Jan. 18, in an already sold-out concert. The sibling ensemble will then be highlighted when the film “Digging Through the Darkness: The 5 Browns Story,” focused on sexual abuse and its aftermath, shows on Friday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland.

5 brownsThe documentary captures the emotional journey of the Juilliard-trained piano prodigies and their remarkable story of determination, healing and courage as they come to terms with the sexual abuse that the three sisters (Deondra, Desirae and Melody) suffered at the hands of their father, who also happened to be their manager.  The story is told through family videos, interviews, rehearsals and performances, weaving together musical determination and passion mirrored by bravery and survival, both personally and professionally, as The 5 Browns come to terms with their broken family and work to find solace and healing in their own individual ways. Actress and advocate Julianne Moore has said, “This is a beautiful film about persistence and truth in life and art.”

More information about the film.

The college’s share of ticket proceeds from the screening will be donated to The Foundation for Survivors of Abuse which was created by Deondra and Desirae Brown.  More information about the foundation.

Tickets for the film are $7 for regular admission; $6 for senior citizens, children, and Hope College faculty and staff; and free for Hope students. Tickets will be available at the door.

The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. Eighth St.