February is Black History month and here are two
shows I recommend that resonate with the times.
A BLACK WOMAN SPEAKS - on YouTube
I
remember Beah Richards' extraordinary performance in her powerful one-woman
play at Inner City Cultural Center in 1975. Standing alone, she passionately
points out how in the 19th century, while white women were oppressed,
they turned their frustration on to their enslaved black sisters instead of
their true oppressors. She was first acclaimed for portraying Sidney Poitier's mother
in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" for which she received an Academy
Award nomination. However, I knew her as a notable Broadway actress prior to
this, starring in James Baldwin's "The Amen Corner" as well as
"Purlie Victorious," "A Raisin in the Sun" and "The
Miracle Worker." Her career on
television, in numerous roles, culminated in Emmy Awards for "Frank's
Place" in 1988, and "The Practice" in 2000. Her show was filmed
live and can be seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_ii8kwAKw4g
OTHELLO - online
Since
its official premiere in London in 1604, this only one of Shakespeare's plays
to have a Black leading character, has been a challenge for white actors. Still,
when Paul Robeson took on the role in London in 1930, he was the first Black
actor to perform it since Ira Aldridge in 1826. Then, in 1943 in New York City,
he was the first African American to play Othello in a major Broadway
production. This month, the Robey Theatre Company, founded in 1994 by Danny
Glover and Ben Guillory, will present an online performance of "Othello"
with Guillory in the title role, directed by Tom Ormeny of Burbank's Victory
Theatre. For this free event registration begins on February 1st. and
you will be sent a link to attend the show that will air on February 28 at 2:00
p.m. Register at: http://therobeytheatrecompany.org/our-events.
UNRAVELLED - Online
Based on true events, and research at UCSF's Memory and Aging
Center, playwright Jake Broder explores how art, music and science intersect with
apparent mental decline. His drama explores the connection between the work of French
composer Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) and Canadian painter Anne Adams (1940-2007).
Both were in the early stages of progressive aphasia, a form of dementia, while
they were still working. The disease apparently altered circuits in their
brains, resulting in a torrent of creativity. This virtual premiere is
sponsored by UCSF's Global Brain Health Institute and Trinity College in Dublin,
Ireland. Directed by Nike Doukas, the play will begin streaming on February 25
at 4 p.m. and will be free and on demand through March 31. Two live seminars featuring
experts in the field, including Dr. Bruce Miller, who diagnosed Adams, will
take place on Feb 25 and March 3. Link up at: www.UnRavelledPlay.com
STORYBOOK THEATRE - on
YouTube
Lloyd J. Schwartz and Barbara
Mallory have been presenting interactive musicals for young audiences for 36
years. Having seen some of their shows, I can assure you that their adaptations
from classic tales, featuring beloved characters, are non-violent and non-scary
but absolutely delightful. Sadly, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, young
audiences have not been able to go and see Storybook Theatre in person.
However, good news! Six of their audience-favorite shows are now available any
time, on demand, for FREE! The series contains "Sleeping Beauty"
"Hansel and Gretel" "Little Red Riding Hood" "The
Princess and the Frog" "Jack and the Beanstalk" and
"Goldilocks." Shows range from 43-58 minutes and are suitable for
kids age 5-9. All written, directed and performed by members of Theatre West,
on Cahuenga Blvd. Click on: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTjDWrRQyg9Lprr725zRsj-uiGTUJTlqz
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