Growing up Black and Jewish in the late 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Oh, and your father is Richard Pryor. If that ain’t a good show, then what is? Rain Pryor’s one-woman show, “Fried Chicken & Latkes” will play in NYC this June. This autobiographical cabaret-styled show explores her childhood as she navigates a life filled with diversity. While portraying almost a dozen characters she tells pe
rsonal stories that gives true insight to racial identity, family history, and grief as it relates to the loss of her father, Richard Pryor.
Iterations of this piece have seen great success in L.A., Chicago, Ohio, Virginia, Texas, Atlanta, and Scotland as well as being called a NY Times “Critic Pick”. Now, under the direction of Kamilah Forbes, it will make its official world premiere at the National Black Theatre.
Throughout Rain Pryor’s career as an actor, comedian, director, producer, educator, and activist, she has been diligent in being true to who she is and all that she is. Refusing to be defined by industry labels, her unique and impactful voice has won her critical acclaim as well as delighted sold-out crowds nationwide.
One of the exciting things about the presence of this type of production is its rarity. Too often seen in the theater are replications of phallocentric narratives that so seldom allow the presence of those belonging to the “other” and when they are seen, they are all too frequently stereotyped. Pryor explores some of those stereotypes as they appeared in her own family and brings the cultures together to show the unifying humanity. In a time where the voices of women and people of color are still struggling to be heard in this country, Pryor stands out as more than a source of humor or entertainment, she is an artist who educates and heals with plenty of laughs along the way.
The world premiere of “Fried Chicken & Latkes” will run June 2-28 at the National Black Theatre 2031 5th Ave. New York, NY 10035. For tickets and more information visit www.nationalblacktheatre.org
