New York, November 11, 2021 -- Investigating the relationship between theater and social justice is a core element of the Theater program at Eugene Lang College and is at the heart of a new public conversation series—The Revolution Will Be Dramatized: Black Theater Now. Through discussions with renowned Black artists, the series explores the relationship between Black theater and Black activism.
“The Black Theater Now series provides unprecedented direct access to high profile black artists and theater professionals whose work is aligned with progressive values,” said Frank Leon Roberts, an Assistant Professor of Theater and organizer of the series. “Over the course of the past several years, in the wake of the movement for Black lives, America has witnessed a renaissance of Black theater and the performing arts. There are currently seven Black plays on Broadway—a first in American theater history. This series provides direct access to some of the voices—Tony Award winners, actors and playwrights who are currently on Broadway, Artistic Directors of large Black theater companies—responsible for this renaissance.”
Theater, since its origin thousands of years ago, has been used to explore the pressing issues of the day. The Theater program at Eugene Lang College connects that history and with how theater addresses current events like Black Lives Matter and the COVID-19 pandemic. The program embodies The New School’s tradition of progressive education through intellectual and artistic inquiry while simultaneously posing questions about today’s critical issues. Social justice is embedded in the program’s curriculum of seminars in theater history and theory, dramatic literature, and performance and production opportunities.
“The pandemic allowed Americans writ large to reflect on our values and think about what needs to change in our country—and in our world. During the pandemic (which coincided with the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor protests), theater professionals have been challenged to think about the ways in which the world of American theater must become more equitable and social justice-oriented. The Revolution Will be Dramatized: Black Theater Now is The New School’s attempt to meet this challenge,” said Roberts.
UPCOMING EVENTS
All events are 4pm to 5pm EST and are open to the public via webinar format and require registration.
Bryan Terrell Clark, Broadway Cast Member of “Hamilton” and “Thoughts of a Colored Man”
November 15
Britton Smith, Special Tony Award Recipient & Founder of The Broadway Advocacy Coalition
November 17
Antoinette Nwandu, Playwright, “Pass Over” and “Breach: a manifesto on race in america through the eyes of a black girl recovering from self-hate”
November 24
Dennis A. Allen II, Playwright, The Mud is Thicker in Mississippi
December 8, 2021
Find the complete schedule of events at https://event.newschool.edu/blacktheaternow
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