A new commission on the way, plus many new collaborations
Seattle, WA – February 10, 2010 – The Hansberry Project, with support from ACT - A Contemporary Theatre, announces its first new play commission. Keith Josef Adkins, a New York-based playwright, has been selected. Described as “part Yellowman, part Our Town, and part Mad Men” the play explores the pressures that the current economic recession has put on a newly emerging Black middle class. The commission by Gian-Carlo and Eulalie Scandiuzzi is part of ACT’s New Works for the American Stage program and will be developed in 2010 with an eye toward a 2011 production. There are three additional commissions in development as part of ACT’s New Works for the American Stage program (where Becky’s New Car by Steven Dietz originated).
“It began last year, with a conversation in our office about a New York Times magazine article regarding the impact of the collapse of the automobile industry on Detroit's Black middle class. We wondered what would become of those families, who for the first time in generations, have to take a socio-economic step down. The idea stuck with us over the next several months. When ACT approached us about a commission, it seemed the perfect time to move the idea forward,” said The Hansberry Project Artistic Director Valerie Curtis-Newton. “We decided to look for an artist interested in telling that kind of story and found that Keith Josef Adkins - someone we'd been hoping to work with since our inception - had an idea kicking around in his head that we found wonderful and funny and fresh and a little dangerous.”
With a new commission underway, The Hansberry Project has also been active in developing new collaborations with local organizations. Though The Hansberry Project is on hiatus from ACT’s Mainstage, it continues to work with ACT and other organizations in bringing a full slate of activities planned for 2010*:
You Really Got A Hold On Me: A Celebration of Love
ACT Theatre
February 14, 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20, includes a champagne toast
An evening of love poems and letters, from famous and not so famous African Americans throughout history, read by local couples and actors. Featured readers include Seattle Councilman Bruce Harrell and his wife JoAnne, along with Steve and Vida Sneed. The piece is edited by Valerie Curtis-Newton and Vivian Phillips. The event will also feature the best of soul music love songs, followed by a champagne toast and chocolates. Tickets at www.acttheatre.org .
“US” Part One
On the Boards
April 17, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: FREE!
Developed in collaboration with On the Boards, “US” Part One is an exploration of Black Identity featuring a screening of Marlon Riggs film Color Adjustment followed by a community discussion.
“US” Part Two
On the Boards
May 17, 6:30 PM
Tickets: FREE!
Continuing its collaboration with On the Boards, The Hansberry Project presents “US” Part Two, a screening and discussion of Marlon Riggs final film Black Is Black Ain’t.
Juneteenth Gala
ACT Theatre
June 12, 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: On sale date to be announced
The Hansberry Project’s annual gala fundraiser. This year’s gala will celebrate and spotlight the work of Black Women Playwrights. Tickets at www.acttheatre.org
Wanted
Theatre–Off Jackson
July 22-25, time to be announced
Tickets: On sale date to be announced
Co-presented with Theatre–Off Jackson, Wanted is a new solo show about forgery, fear, juvenile justice, and an unlikely self-discovery, with music by Shontina Vernon. Tickets at www.theatreoffjackson.org.
New Play Commission Workshop
ACT Theatre
October 2010, date and time to be announced
Tickets: FREE!
Be among the first to hear the words of a new work in progress! A workshop reading of a new play by Keith Josef Adkins.
“Now, that we’ve completed our first five years, we’re ready to look ahead and plan the next five years,” said Managing Director Vivian Phillips. “So, in addition to the major work of commissioning and developing a new play, we will spend 2010 working to strengthen our sustainable strategic partnerships throughout the community. Collaborations are already planned with On the Boards and Theatre-Off Jackson, and others are in the works. We will continue to deepen appreciation and increase patronage by continuing to support a number of performing arts events that highlight African and African American artists.”
For more information, visit www.acttheatre.org/hansberry or www.hansberryproject.org.
*Events, dates, and venues subject to change.
No comments:
Post a Comment