Black History Month in June? Selected Readings of Great Black Plays and Playwrights at New Federal Theatre

Wow-- it's not Black History Month where this kind of event would be typically showcased. So this celebration is indeed a first on many levels. Thanks to the ever innovative and cutting edge leaders at the Woodie King's New Federal Theatre, New Yorkers and tourists will be treated to a month's worth of black theatre history this summer. And at 10 bucks a pop, this is a steal.

For the entire month of June the Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre will present a month long reading series of Great Black Plays and Playwrights. This electic series, running every Friday through Monday in June, features many of Black theatre’s most celebrated dramas.

Many of the plays, presented at the Castillo Theatre and the National Black Theatre, have achieved ntable uccess on other stages and have won several awards. As per the press release, half of the readings will take place Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Castillo Theatre, 543 West 42nd Street. The other half will be read at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays and at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays at National Black Theatre. 2031 Fifth Avenue. Readings will be held throughout the month of June, 2010. I have included the first this weekends schedule below. Remember readings will be every day this month!



Fri June 4 (7:30pm)
Black Girl
By: J.e Franklin
Director: Passion

Sat June 5 (2pm)
For Colored Girls Who
Have Considered
Suicide…
By Ntozake Shange
Director: Trezana
Beverly

Sat June 5 (7pm)
Tod, The Boy Tod
By: Talvin Wilks
Director: Talvin Wilks

Sunday June 6 (2pm)
Robert Johnson: Trick
The Devil
By: Bill Harris
Director: Ed Smith

June 6 (7pm)
Mom, How Did You
Meet the Beatles?
By: Adam P. Kennedy
& Adrienne Kennedy
Director: Imani

Monday June 7
Do Lord Remember
Me
By: James deJongh
Director: Regge Life

As per press release, other plays that will be read during this historic reading series are: A Recent Killing by Amiri Baraka, Crumbs from the Table of Joy by Lynn Nottage,In the Wine Time by Ed Bullins, The Amen Corner by James Baldwin, Black Girl by j.e. Franklin, Flyin’ West by Pearl Cleage and Ceremonies in Dark Old Men by Lonne Elder.

Some of the other renowned playwrights represented in the varied and diverse line up are Phillip Hayes Dean, Richard Wesley, Bill Harris, Alice Childress, Wesley Brown, and Laurence Holder.

Directors participating in the series include TalvinWilks, Clinton Turner Davis, Dean Irby, Elizabeth Van Dyke, Nathan George, Marjorie Moon, and Reggie Life. The plays will be read by illustrious casts of actors.

Kudos to the folks at the crew at the New Federal Theatre for this ground breaking event in African American theater. You can bet the Whisperer will be there soaking it all in-- and will be signing up with and supporting the theatre!!!

TICKETS are available at www.theatremania.com (866-811-4111)
Each Play Reading $10.00/New Federal Theatre Members admitted FREE by presenting their membership card For further information call: 212-353-1176 or visit www.newfederaltheatre.org

BAW
http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/