Friday, October 27th

12PM Panel Discussion: Wilson, Justice & Revolution

Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates and David Vaughn Straughn discuss the threads of revolution and calls for justice for the Black community that are prevalent throughout Wilson’s American Century Cycle.

4PM Master Class: Shakespeare & the Black Aesthetic

 In this masterclass, director/teacher Justin Emeka will discuss the history and implications of Black actors performing in plays by William Shakespeare; as well as demonstrate his technique and approach to incorporating Black Culture within classic texts written by European authors.  His goal is to help performers gain confidence in their ability to fully “own the text” and embody their authentic selves inside the world of the plays.  As a bonus, he will share his recent 10 min. film, “Six Winters Gone Still” which is an adaptation of a scene from Richard II in a Black contemporary context.  

6PM Master Class: Directing the Black Theatrical Voice

Color Blind Casting is NOT a Thing! Directing Black Actors…Directing Black Plays…Require Directors SEEING Black People! TDV discusses directing with empathy and cultural competency. The participants will explore the intentionality of casting and directing plays with people of color, Indigenous/Native Americans, and Black People.

8PM Performance: How I Learned What I Learned by August Wilson

Originally performed by August Wilson himself, this theatrical memoir is a story-tellers walk through life as a Black artist. 10 CPG members have taken a piece of the story and will pull it together for ONE NIGHT ONLY.