Theater founder lauded

The Giving Back Corp. will host a weekend of celebrations honoring Woodie King Jr., writer, producer, director and founder of New York’s landmark New Federal Theatre, for his 30-year contribution to the minority community through the arts.

On Saturday at 7 p.m., Richard Gant will host “An Evening of Theatre,” excerpts from such New Federal Theatre successes as Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.” Playwright Ron Milner will also appear.

Actors Loretta Devine and Dick Anthony Williams will host “The Fifth Annual Celebrity Spring Toast/Roast” for King on Sunday at 5 p.m., with Lord Richard, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis and Virginia Capers.

Proceeds will benefit the Southwest College Theatre Department, the Giving Back Corporation Scholarship Fund and the New Federal Theatre. Tickets are $15-$20 for the Saturday event and $40-$50 for the Sunday event, or $55 for both. Information: (310) 226-6198, (310) 671-6400.