“This season stands out as one that truly honors Harlem’s longstanding heritage as a cultural trailblazer,” boasted Brad Learmonth, Harlem Stage Director of Programming.  “The artists we are presenting honor, celebrate and understand the legacy they draw from and, because of that firm footing, are creating new forms that will define the future in exciting and lasting ways. We cannot wait to experience their genius and share it with the world.”

Housed at the state-of-the art performance space, Harlem Stage Gatehouse, this season touts a bevy of culturally enriched, historic and enlightening pieces by “visionary artists of color.”

Returning for another season is the popular ongoing series Uptown Nights, giving the audience an opportunity to experience the artists in an intimate context.  The series features producer and DJ Jason King,  jazz trumpeter Christian Scott, soul vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello, “Classic Man” artist Jidenna, a multi-day Prince tribute assembled and led by Grammy Award-winning bassist Ben Williams, and many more.

The theater is thrilled to host a screening and a post-screening discussion of the fascinating documentary Mary Lou Williams: The Woman Who Swings The Band.  “Williams was a woman in a ‘manʼs world,’ a Black person in a ‘whites only’ society, an ambitious artist who dared to be different and struggled against the imperatives of being a ‘star.’”  The film tells the story of one of the greatest jazz musicians whose inspirational story has never been told…until now.

Harlem Stage has also teamed up with the Museum of Modern Art to present the extraordinary exhibit 100 Years In Post Production: Resurrecting A Lost Landmark of Black Film History.  Featuring recently discovered, unedited footage, “this premiere installation stages a close reading of suppressed moments from the struggle for minority access to visual media.”

For over 30 years, Harlem Stage has been one of the nation’s leading arts organizations, achieving this distinction by commissioning, incubating and presenting innovative works by visionary artists of color, and by facilitating a productive engagement with the communities it serves through the performing arts.

For the full schedule and performance information, click here. Tickets and reservations to Harlem Stage are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.HarlemStage.org, or via phone at 212.281.9240 ext. 19/20. 

The post Harlem Stage Announces 2015-2016 Lineup appeared first on Broadway Black.

GO GREEN: Pop Up! is a free pop-up festival, that will our ability to sustain ourselves while embracing the unpredictable nature of our environment. Using environmental elements–such as water, earth, fire and air–as a guide, a collection of artists ranging from theater to dance to music will create site-specific performances exploring the magical and volatile nature of our Earth.

GO GREEN is an annual performance event started by The Movement Theatre Company that focused on giving artists of color a place to explore sustainability and the natural world. The event challenges these artists to utilize sustainable practices, while utilizing NYC community gardens and parks to creating theatre. By working in these public settings, the aim is to connect with and inspire members of the communities to learn about and take part in the evolving green movement. This year’s event is co-produced with Radical Evolution. Both companies share the commitment to creating, producing, and supporting work done by emerging artists of color that are based in NYC.

In addition to the Pop Up! performances by artists Eboni Hogan, Andrei Matorin, Sonia Villani, Raquel Almazan, and Ebony Golden, there will also be live music, drinks, food & craft vendors, and an Open Mic from 5:00 till 6:30 hosted by Robyn Hood.

Schedule of Events:
3:00 – 3:45 Live Music
3:45 – 5:00 Pop Up Performances (Round 1)
5:00 – 6:30 Open Mic
6:45 – 7:15 Live Music
7:15 – 8:15 Pop Up Performances (Round 2)
8:15 – 9:00 Music & Dancing

The event is from 3pm until 9pm at Urban Garden Center located at 1640 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10035 (116th St/Park) and admission into the event is FREE, though there is a suggested donation of $10. You can RSVP at the website here and sign up for the open mic night by contacting them via email at tmtcsubmit@gmail.com.

The post The Movement Theatre Company Presents GO GREEN: Pop Up! appeared first on Broadway Black.

You’ve heard of the Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the park well now there’s a new kid in town. Classical Theatre of Harlem has created an “Uptown” Shakespeare experience that we know you’ll enjoy. Don’t miss it! FIND OUT MORE AND GET TICKETS —–>>>> HERE

Find out more about the show and Watch the the directors journal video below!

Continuing its groundbreaking tradition of weaving the rich cultural legacy of Harlem into classical text, The Classical Theatre of Harlem will illuminate A Midsummer Night’s Dream with music, dance, and various traditions from the African Diaspora, to present an enchanted concrete jungle inhabited by spirits who revel in the magical nature of summer love. Theseus, the Duke of Harlem, prepares to unite two hemispheres with his marriage to Hippolyta, the African queen. Meanwhile, four Harlem lovers pursue forbidden romance by escaping to the woods, where a group of Harlem’s working class-AKA the “rude mechanicals”-rehearse a “classic” performance to entertain the Duke on his wedding night in hopes of fame and fortune. Colorful West African and Capoeira dance elements will be weaved throughout the production.

The post The Classical Theatre Of Harlem Presents Midsummer Nights Dream Free In The Park appeared first on Broadway Black.