Tag: art

Elevating Black Theatre: Embracing Readings and Recognizing Talent

Black theatre, within the rich tapestry of performing arts, serves as a poignant testament to the depth of culture, history, and creativity within the black community. From the groundbreaking narratives of August Wilson to the contemporary innovations of playwrights like Tarell Alvin McCraney, black theatre resonates with audiences and amplifies essential stories. Yet, behind each captivating stage production lies an often-overlooked process: the crucial readings and rehearsals that refine and shape the final performance.

Before a play graces the spotlight, it embarks on a developmental journey critical for black theatre’s authenticity and impact. Readings, workshops, and rehearsals provide a platform for playwrights, directors, and actors to delve into themes, characters, and dialogue with depth and nuance. Particularly for black theatre, these early stages hold immense significance, allowing artists to explore complex issues of identity, race, and social justice authentically.

The necessity for black theatre readings arises from a commitment to ensuring accurate and respectful representation of black, brown, and LGBTQ communities. Through collaborative table reads and workshops, artists refine scripts, tackle challenging themes, and celebrate the diverse perspectives within the black diaspora. These readings serve as incubators for creativity and dialogue, empowering artists to elevate their craft and contribute meaningfully to the artistic landscape.

Moreover, black theatre readings offer a vital platform for emerging playwrights and performers to showcase their talents and amplify their voices. In an industry where opportunities for minority artists can be scarce, these readings provide essential connections with mentors, collaborators, and audiences. By championing diversity and inclusivity throughout the creative process, black theatre readings enrich the artistic community and foster greater representation and equity.

In addition to honoring the significance of readings, it’s essential to celebrate the contributions of black, brown, and LGBTQ writers and performers in theatre. Often marginalized or overlooked, these trailblazing artists have shaped and enriched black theatre with their extraordinary talents. From luminaries like Lorraine Hansberry to Sidney Poitier, their voices deserve recognition and celebration.

Our commitment to black theatre extends beyond homage to classic works; it encompasses nurturing new talent and amplifying underrepresented voices. By providing opportunities for Philadelphia theatre makers to direct and narrate readings of Broadway classics, we broaden the scope of inclusivity and creativity within the industry. These readings not only provide a platform for aspiring actors but also inspire audiences to witness the next generation of theatre talent.

In conclusion, black theatre readings are not merely a precursor to the final performance; they are an integral part of the creative journey, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and discovery. By embracing readings and honoring diverse talent, we ensure the continued vibrancy and relevance of black theatre in the performing arts landscape. Let us raise our voices, celebrate achievements, and embrace the transformative power of black theatre as we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of its evolution.

Underground 2017

Over the weekend we wrapped up underground episode. This was a test on how to run a show for two weeks and I must say there was a lot to be learned but it is definitely worth it. First things first, the cast compose of both veterans and newbies with a short timeframe of two months to learn probably one of the most challenging work that some of them have been a part of. For many including myself it was jumping from one production to another that was a challenge however for others it was just coming in and beginning the task at hand.

This time around we utilized collaborating with makeup artist Andrea Blassingame to create the looks, set up radio time for interviews, bloggers, and paid advertising in the metro Philly to get the word out on the production. We also utilized the site which the facility used instead of going the eventbrite way.

It was scary but I had to see what we could do and the end result turned out to be what we wanted. Now we are gearing up for next year to actually take advantage of all we learned.

The beauty of it all was swing how no matter what RunBoyRunProduction still continues to grow as a family and in the end this makes for good business.

A Womans Rythm 

In a place that was once the Women’s Kensington Hospital the ancestry of women speak. Drum like a lady Latrice and Jamillah allowed the sounds of the drum to bring in the spirits as the crowd couldn’t help but participate as the heard the drum of the mothers like it was the heart beat of our beginning of rhythm. Showing us rhythm through beat boxing bring the people together through life of rhythm.  

But song can be created through woven rhythm as well as Lynda Grace shows in her she utilizes fiber woven vessels to create a medium ancestry speaking from a past life of mothers wombs to life’s moments of meeting individuals from scrap metal collectors to the black lives matters experience. Beginning from the grandmother showing her and watching her knit, her knitting was a form of community seeing that words can build a shield.
 
Although they have meet in conjunction with this project the art that speaks through Lynda’s has has extended into the photography of Sheenas.

Sheena Garcia speaks through pictures with stories ranging from single mothers protecting their sons and seeing the need to hold on to a sons life with a black and white imagery that leaves you understanding why these lives matter. 
  
The owner of this building Betsey Casanas maybe short in stature but her calling as an artist speaks to a higher level as she opens the doorway into her culture with demential artistry that looks as alive as the the cock story tale that began the piece.  Engulfed in enjoyment roots energy and culture the people came in the building getting a story fluid with diversity but in the end containing a wholeness that only these women could spin.

Getting over the Moment

That’s what makes acting so attractive. You get to break all your own rules.”Gerardine Clark”

The beauty of acting is allowing yourself to let go and take on roles that you never thought you would do. In many ways this is your inner voice ready to dive into the unexpected and see if things are possible. In the end it is here when one finds them self and realize that it was always the fear of exploring that held them back that will never do so again. 


Concentration

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The beauty of watching the cast is watching them develop chemistry among one another and character with themselves. For many the challenge of becoming a character invokes an understanding of knowing the frustrations and attitude of the character. For the most part, utilizing parts of ones life can be the best motivation like work and how it plays an intricate part to your everyday you can feel the frustration and pains it can cause to push forward into a role..

Putting On Our Faces

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Yesterday was a great day at rehersal. It was the beginning of going over the first 6 scenes of the play. It felt good watching the cast coming into play with their parts, utilizing the vision of imagination to see a subway scene that was not there and improvising aqctions jestures and words to help bring life to their characters and to scenes even when all they had to do is be onseekers to rachetness or two young brothers listening to elders telling them what to do or a lover that needed to come to a point of understanding that her man needs her.
I am blessed to see the blend of poets and actors ready to take the challenge and show the world a vision that i have been dreaming of brought to life. The challenge has begun and the FringeArts Festival is in the distance waiting for us. Now all we ask, will you be a passenger on this ride as well….

The Stage

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There is nothing like being in front of an audience
For many of us this is the place where we fill alive
Find ourselves able to breath for the first time
Able to speak our mind
No longer hold your tongue
Let the worries go
Allow your thoughts to flow
This is that place where reliving stories gives you a chance to rebirth moments
There is nothing like the stage
Catching the applause of the crowd
Looking out to them and realizing
This is your moment
Your time
Your second
To let people see the real you
There is nothing like being in front of an audience
SHOWTIME

Today’s a good day

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Yesterday was the beginning of rehearsal that almost didn’t happen. For a few days I was trying to contact someone over at 1812 to let them know we have the check for the studio and to see if someone was going to be there. I never received an email or call to reaffirm because I already had the dates time and cast coming I figured I’d rake a chance on someone being there. It was hot as all but an easy travel but when I got to the building it was dark and my feelings and emotion went into panic mode. Inch by inch step by step as I got closer my emotions were running high and then boom the door opened and rehearsal was on!