Polaroid Stories
by Naomi Iizuka
RCNJ Theater - Fall ‘24.
A visceral blend of classical mythology and real-life stories told by street kids, Iizuka’s award-winning play journeys into a dangerous world where myth-making fulfills a fierce need for transcendence, where storytelling has the power to transform a reality in which characters’ lives are continually threatened, devalued, and effaced. Inspired in part by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Polaroid Stories depicts modern-day mortals engulfed by needs that burn and consume with lyricism and great theatrical force.
A Pick For The Hair Of Black Kids Who Dont Wanna Be Gangstaz. - World Premiere.
by Junie Edwards.
Pillsbury House Theatre - Summer ‘24.
This choreopoem follows the story of 6 poet friends readying themselves for a slam poetry competition. When they take a break from rehearsing, they travel down a long and weighted path as they play a game confessing their deepest secrets and fears pertaining to the Black community. This piece is an ode to the voices of our younger Black generations.
A PICK FOR THE HAIR OF BLACK KIDS WHO DON'T WANNA BE GANGSTAZ premiered at Pillsbury House and Theatre (Carmen Multez, Stage Manager; Rachael Rhoades, Production Stage Manager; Aimee K. Bryant, Producer; Signee Harridy, Producing Artistic Director) in Minneapolis on July 19, 2024. It was directed by Lester Mayers; the set, lighting and sound design was by the Technical Theatre Step Up Internship (Claudia Errickson, Rachael Rhoades and KD Deutsch, heads of program); costume design by Lester Mayers in collaboration with the cast.
“Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies”
by Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm.
SUNY New Paltz - Fall ‘23.
Note from Director Lester Mayers: “‘Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies’ is a dark comedy materialized with the power of long-traditional effects of racism and the fears, pain, confusion, and wasteful global loathing it leaves behind. Centering the duality of identity through the gaze of a 14-year-old Black teenager named Marquis, “Hooded” explores the cycles of racism, gun violence, and the murder of unarmed Black Americans, particularly those in the middle passage of their adolescence, beginning with Trayvon Martin; this masterpiece reminds us, one is too many, and it takes a village to save a village but most importantly, justice is still due! You will laugh, you will cry, you may be angered and confused, but you will go through. We have crafted a show that cares for everyone who opens their hearts to witness it. This community of cast, crew, and production team are mountains of paramount talent loving this necessary story to understanding.”
They Wear Teal Ribbons Around Their Tongues - World Premiere.
by Siddeeqah Shabazz.
Full Circle Theater - Spring ‘24.
Introducing the Douglasses - the beloved 90s sitcom family. They're known for their love, humor, wealth, and status. But what happens when a long-kept secret threatens to shatter their perfect image? As they navigate through the aftermath, the Douglasses will have to confront their true selves and decide who they want to be. Brace yourself for a gripping journey of self-discovery!
