Black Angels: The Originals Return

Well...there is nothing like the real thing baby! With the return of Demetrius Gross (Perceval), Lamman Rucker (Elijah)and Derek Shaun (Jerimah), Black Angels Over Tuskegee took on a new dimension for me tonight. I had never seen the original cast perform though this was my 11th show. On the whole, the show took on a more reflective and introspective quality--not as edgy as in past shows. Yet it was smooth and easy to sit through. Bottom line: these actors have an amazing chemistry and easy flow with each other that is obvious. They truly inhabit their characters.

Lamman is very comfortable and relaxed as Elijah and even playful at times which adds poignantly to the play's overall chemistry and appeal. It's a different play with Lamar's presence-- no doubt. He is also quite credible in his delivery and makes you forget the writing. Demetrius is simply an unstoppable force--not much more can be said about him. Derek brings to Jerimah a level of complexity that I had to grapple with at first. ( It was really hard to suspend my memory of Melvin Huffnagle's explosive Jerimah which works very well). Derek's portrayl, however, is delicately nuanced and less angry-perhaps more introspective--which changed the tone of the entire play. When he erupts it almost catches you by surprise which speaks to his range and ability. He is imtriguing to say the least. I am so intrigued by Derek and Lamman's performances --and how they along with Demetrius change the topograpy of this play --that I will have to go back at it tomorrow to see what else I can learn. LOL

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A little Comic Relief

BAW

ACTOR POET DAVID ROBERTS: NO APOLOGIES NEEDED

Sylvias Also in Harlem is known to New Yorkers for its live poetry and comedy on Wednesdays. Tonight the BAW was in the house to check out the vibe. Several spoken word artists and comedians performed. Some were incredibly raw. Others just read their work aloud. Among this motley crew, David Roberts shined. (He was the only poet asked to give an encore perfoemance--and well he should have1)

A stage actor by profession, David (aka DBlack) gave a commanding rendition of his haunting poem, I APOLOGIZE that explored this country's troubled relationship with HIP HOP.

Taking a moment to get into character, and to give the audience an opportunity to settle down, David skillfully drew the audience in with poignant cadences, a soulful style, and an emotionally laden delivery that was rich, textured, and meaningful---moving past pure ventilation on which some of the other poets seemed to rely.

I APOLOGIZE is a brilliantly conceived critique on the rap industry, icluding those who promote, perpetuate and benefit from the inherent and associated exploitation. David brings this powerful message through the voice of a HIP HOP artist who apologizes for perpertrating the fraud. The rappertakes social responsibility with actual tears in his eyes. What a treasure the world of poetry has in David Roberts-a truly sensitive, socially conscious poet sesnitively connected enough that he cries.

When he is not animating the spoken word, this gifted and engaging artist is inspiring and uplifting audiences on stage. You can see him currently in the Off Broadway hit, BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE at the Actors Temple in New York.

His DVD THE BLACK EXPERIENCE a visual anthology shows off his diversity and range as he performs several other works that equal the excellence of I APLOGIZE. Please be sure to pick up a copy--http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=43029076

Beyond the stage, David loves working with and inspiring young people to partake and be expressed through the performing arts. He has truly stepped up as an artist. His subtantive work is powerful and important to the black community.

For what David Roberts is striving to accomplish through his burning passion for poetry and the performing arts---NO APOLOGY NEEDED. Look out for him-this is indeed a rising star!!!


BAW
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