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
http://blackartsentertainmentwhisperer.blogspot.com/