Filmmaker Jerome Dolbert to Launch Plays on Civil Rights Figures

French filmmaker Jerome Dolbert is hosting auditions for his new theater project "Year of the Diamond," from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26 at Compton Public Library, 240 W. Compton Blvd. in Compton. Registration begins at noon.

"Year of the Diamond," is not just a play. It's a production made up of seven plays and dozens of actors with a total of 12 dance sequences to illustrate the lives of historical figures such as Mary, mother of Jesus Christ; Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others, Dolbert said.

"It may seem crazy to some people to have a project like this. But it's really about creating something meaningful for everyone to enjoy," said Dolbert, who has written and directed the upcoming film "The Others."

Although casting is still pending, Dolbert says he plans to present the production in April in Los Angeles.

"We're still working on getting a theater, but a lot of the work is already done with our team of people behind the scenes," he said.

Although much of the production and storylines are still under wraps, Dolbert says the stories will deal with the lives of major historical figures with drama, dance and music.

The production aims to use local talent from Compton and surrounding to communities to encourage and nurture the creativity and aspirations of the performers in the area. Each show will include original musical dance and video interpretations that would coincide with the stage dialogue.

"We want to provide inner city youths with an alternative to gangs through the performing arts," Dolbert said.

Born and raised in Paris, France, Dolbert began making 8 mm films at age 10 with his own scripts and dialogue. After studying business at EDC Business School in Paris where he received his Master's Degree, he went on to study acting and directing at Cours Florent in Paris for two years.

Dolbert has over 15 years experience in the entertainment industry, having worked at companies such as TF1, one of the largest European private TV channels, as well as Euro Shopping, a 24-hour/7-days-a-week home shopping network. He has also written and directed hundreds of hours of TV commercials.

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