Tag: #inspirational

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.

Navigating Emotional Intelligence: A Personal Perspective on Mental Well-being

Introduction:

In today’s world, we witness stories online and in the news of men facing internal struggles, resorting to drastic measures within their families. There’s a pattern of abusing women, often stemming from a reluctance to communicate and a preference for numbing their feelings with substances. In schools, young men sometimes become dropouts or lash out at teachers, driven by frustration and a sense of failure. All of this raises a crucial question: Where does this lack of emotional intelligence originate?

Understanding Emotional Intelligence:

Emotional intelligence (EI) stands as a cornerstone for navigating the intricate web of human interactions. It involves being attuned to our emotions, understanding the feelings of others, and adeptly managing emotions in diverse situations. Researchers have delved into the relationship between emotional intelligence and mental health, prompting us to ponder: Could the absence of emotional intelligence be an indicator of potential mental health issues?

The Link to Mental Health:

1. **Depression and Anxiety:**

Individuals with lower emotional intelligence may find it challenging to cope with stress, heightening the risk of depression and anxiety. Struggling to comprehend and express emotions can contribute to the development of these mental health conditions.

2. **Interpersonal Issues:**

Poor emotional intelligence often surfaces in difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Struggles with empathy and connection may lead to social isolation, intensifying the risk of mental health issues.

3. **Impaired Coping Mechanisms:**

Emotional intelligence plays a vital role in handling life’s challenges. Those lacking these skills might resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse or avoidance, negatively impacting mental well-being.

4. **Low Resilience:**

Resilience, the ability to rebound from setbacks, is closely tied to emotional intelligence. Individuals with lower EI may find it challenging to navigate adversity, making them more susceptible to mental health issues during tough times.

Identifying Signs of Low Emotional Intelligence:

1. **Difficulty Expressing Emotions:**

Limited ability to articulate and express one’s emotions may indicate a deficiency in emotional intelligence.

2. **Poor Interpersonal Relationships:**

Strained relationships, frequent conflicts, and difficulty forming connections could be signs of low social awareness and relationship management skills.

3. **Emotional Outbursts:**

Individuals with lower emotional intelligence might experience intense emotional outbursts, struggling to regulate their feelings in stressful situations.

4. **Avoidance of Emotional Topics:**

A tendency to steer clear of discussions about emotions or an unwillingness to address emotional issues may signify a lack of emotional intelligence.

Conclusion:

While a deficit in emotional intelligence doesn’t directly translate to mental health issues, it undeniably contributes to challenges in emotional well-being. Recognizing and addressing low emotional intelligence early on becomes a crucial step in promoting mental health. Developing these skills through self-awareness, education, and practice empowers individuals to navigate life’s emotional landscapes more effectively.

The Art of Writing as Black Creatives: A Journey of Personal Resilience

Introduction

The creative process is an intensely personal and intricate journey, where every artist brings their distinct perspective and life experiences to their craft. For Black creatives, this journey is laced with layers of complexity, rooted in a rich cultural heritage, a history of resilience, and the ongoing struggle for equity. In this blog, I want to share the deeply personal process of writing as a Black creative, shedding light on the challenges, inspirations, and the powerful voices that arise from this unique vantage point.

1. Drawing Inspiration from My Cultural Heritage

I often draw inspiration from my rich cultural heritage, which encompasses a diverse range of experiences, from African traditions and history to the African diaspora. These cultural roots infuse my work with a deep sense of identity and pride. Authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ta-Nehisi Coates have beautifully shown how their African and African-American backgrounds influence their storytelling, and I resonate with this on a personal level.

2. Navigating Complex Themes

As a Black creative, writing involves confronting complex themes like identity, racism, social injustice, and historical trauma. These themes are central to my creative process, and I use my work as a platform to shed light on these issues. Books like “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates and “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas deeply impact me, as they delve into racial injustice and offer powerful perspectives that resonate with my own experiences.

3. Challenging Stereotypes

I often find myself in the position of challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about the Black community. My writing serves as a tool to dismantle harmful narratives and provide more accurate portrayals of Black individuals. Maya Angelou’s autobiographical series, starting with “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” does this beautifully, portraying the complexities of life and identity in a way that I can personally relate to.

4. Advocating for Diversity in Publishing

The publishing industry has had a long history of lacking diversity, both in terms of authors and the stories it represents. As a Black creative, I am actively working to change this by advocating for more inclusivity and opportunities for underrepresented voices. Initiatives like #PublishingPaidMe have exposed disparities in book advances, and I am committed to being part of the solution in making the industry more equitable.

5. Embracing Resilience and Perseverance

My journey as a Black creative often comes with unique challenges, including combating stereotypes and confronting systemic biases. However, my stories are also a testament to resilience and perseverance. Authors like Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston faced adversity head-on, creating timeless works that continue to inspire me in my own writing journey.

Conclusion

Writing as a Black creative is a deeply personal and multifaceted journey filled with inspiration, challenges, and the opportunity to reshape narratives. By drawing from my cultural heritage, addressing complex themes, and advocating for diversity, I am crafting a literary landscape that celebrates the richness of my experiences and the power of my voice. My stories are not just about the Black experience but are universally resonant, reminding us of the strength and creativity that emerges from embracing one’s identity and fighting for a more inclusive world.

In addition, my journey often involves collaboration, working with co-creators who share the same goals and mission. The evolution of our writing over the years is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of life and art, reflecting the shifting dynamics of the world and our own personal growth.

In the end, the journey of writing as a Black creative is not only about creating stories but also about making a difference, pushing boundaries, and leaving a lasting impact on literature and society. It’s a journey that embodies the spirit of personal resilience, unity, and the power of words to inspire change.

It’s okay….

Last week I had a reminder that what I was doing was ok. As I was having a bad day and feeling down about the direction I was taking. I was at a gathering when someone said to me “man you are busy Run Boy Run Productions is everywhere!” I paused Smiled and said thank you. The funny part is that when I walked into the building I had been in my feelings and felt like I was doing things wrong and that looking out for others was setting myself up for failure. It was in that moment when she said those words it helped me to understand what I was doing was ok and looking out for others was ok too. I felt so good about that moment then other things started popping up on my time line that also leaned into helping me to understand what I was doing was ok. After awhile I made sure I got on my messenger and let the UE family know about this as I look at the moments as a reflection of them and what we all have made. In my mind I am no more then a person that allows others to bring strength and life into a creation and when they do it is noticed. With that being said I told them how proud I am of them and all they have done throughout the years. For me so many deserve the praise that comes with this and through the years many and I’m not talking about just the actors but the collaborators, the team members, and the volunteers without any this feeling of strength is because of them. And with that moment I sat down to understand and feel ok.

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.

Boomerang Beginnings


This weekend was a new beginning that I must say I was overjoyed with. A few weeks ago in my emails I sent an opportunity to work on a creation in one of the best places I have seen artistry FringeArts on Delaware Ave. now as a back story goes I didn't hesitate to fill out the application and a few weeks later we got an email back congratulating us for being apart of Camp Fringe.
Now how does Boomerang fit into this well that's the easy part. In 2015 I knew I wanted to perform at this venue but I also knew the works that we would have to bring g would have to truly be different and outside the box of any creation we have ever and would ever do. I told Hendi about the idea and story of two kids stories and how they both came from abusive up bringing but the real test would be how they turn out as adults. Hendi liked the idea and the day I talked to him about it I finished the first piece while riding home on the train that night.

So here we are two years later and the opportunity and moment came were we are about to present our project. I stood up in front of the crowd looked out and immediately when I look at them I smile. To me crowns on the symbolism of my happiness because not all honesty I still can't believe that you to watch something that I'm doing. So I address them tell them who I am what I represent in our story and then we let it begin. And from the door watching this was beautiful seeing the toxic movement of how love can be damaging.

Each piece came to life allowed the performers to Paul at parts of themselves that they didn't even know exist showing the pain that each child went through as well as how from such pain they can be light at the end. For us this ending with a new beginning and also wake up call that there was so much more we had to do as ours we are now about to go into the studio and work on the rest of the show and I must say we are all looking forward to see what boomerangs bring.

How will you stand up to Bullying? 

Since our beginning RunBoyRunProduction has believed that art is the best way to tell not only stories but how reality is affected daily but the average person. One of our most impactful stories has been “Bully” (performed here by Ra Wilson) which is a story about a young man that got expelled from school but as he tells it they thought he was the bully but it turns out that he was the one being bullied. 

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For many of us the story is relatable especially if you come from the 80s and 90s when it was always those of us that were nerds that were being bullied. I tell you from experience being bullied as a kid was not a happy moment for me. Whether it was done by high school jocks or just someone who though I was an easy target my terror as a child was often followed by rage and regrets. However as an artist I had an outlet and that was being able to write, act, dance or draw the need to have an outlet was important In getting through such pain. 

Because art was my outlet as a child for so many things, I make it my duty to do such for others after all we all need someone to listen to our stories. As I said before Ra has been doing bully since its incarnation and has since grown as an actor doing films and becoming a playwright himself. So now as we go into our forth year Ra has decided to pay it forward and give the role to a young up and coming Quashawn White as he makes his stage debut. 


Bullying is not a laughing matter and in this day in time it has taken on a new form with the days of social media that it’s panic and terror has been one that many of us can’t turn our eyes from. However what we can do is stand up and fight for those that that need a voice those that need and outlet that in the end will look to you and say thank you for showing me how to stand.. How will you stand up to bullying? 

FRom New York and Back

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I must admit that i am in fear of whats to come as those whom i am us to working with have been busy with there own lives and projects. Nevertheless this i am seizing this moment to become the artist i was meant to be and allow others to help me where my fears would probably make me take a back seat and stop this project all together. Happiness is finding the common ground among others and reaching outward and in to understand that the balance to all of this is understanding that you never were alone within a journey that has a true positive focus…

Saturday Fire

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Saturday was a day of fire as cast members showed that they can bring it for rehearsal. It was a little different as I took a step back and formally introduced them to Britney who is the co director on the set. Although the setup was different because it being in a house instead of an actual hall it did prove to be both helpful as the separation of space gave members two coaches to work with on full scenes as well and the other the development of character. I must say it has been a case of trial and error but they have shown that they are willing to take on the challenge and show the world what talents they have and for me it’s worth the site in growth and obstacle as we prove talent stands strong in everyone.