Throughout Black Historical past Month, the New Federal Theatre is showcasing our tales via its Ancestral Voices Solo Pageant, which presents solo productions each weekend. This coming weekend would be the last presentation of “Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed & Unbowed,” written and carried out by Ingrid Griffith, at New Federal Theatre’s residence at WP Theater (2161 Broadway and 76th Avenue).
“February is Black Historical past Month and it requires celebrating our historical past,” mentioned Elizabeth Van Dyke, New Federal Theatre’s producing creative director, who curated the Ancestral Voices Solo Pageant to honor the voices of a number of ancestors whose lives had an necessary impression on the world. “In the intervening time, that’s being erased and it’s as much as us to maintain it within the forefront, to light up it, to treasure it, and to share it. They’re attempting to remove Black Historical past Month, take away any reference to Black [culture]. We’ve a wealthy tradition, ancestors who paved the way in which, so that is so apropos that we’re celebrating our historical past, our tradition, our magnificence.
Earlier productions from this pageant included “Paul Robeson Remembered,” which starred Kevin Maynor as Robeson at a live performance at Carnegie Corridor, interspersed with monologues that highlighted dramatic moments in his life.
“Augusta!” featured Reneé Fleming and centered a highlight on Augusta Savage, a Harlem Renaissance sculptor, educator, and civil rights activist. The present celebrated Savage’s life, artwork, and challenges.
“39 Steps Towards Freedom” featured Michael Inexperienced as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After being humiliated, King displays on the 39 years that lead him to this significant second in time: as he prepares to return to Memphis.
“Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed & Unbowed” is in regards to the first African American lady to run for the presidency of the U.S. Within the Sixties and ’70s, she was known as the Black Joan of Arc. She known as herself “Combating Shirley” as she confronted off in opposition to the political machine within the identify of justice.
In my 40 years as a theater critic, I’ve all the time discovered the New Federal Theatre productions to be exquisitely carried out, stuffed with Black delight, historical past, and one thing that all the time makes us be seen. This firm has all the time made it their mission to highlight our folks, our voices, our historical past. A New Federal Theatre manufacturing is a life expertise that can go away you educated, entertained, and grateful for the optimistic and at occasions profound telling of our tales — tales by Black playwrights and Black ladies playwrights, and productions that go away you speechless.
“Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed and Unbowed” performs via March 2. For information, go to www.newfederaltheatre.org.
