Crossroads Theatre Co-Founders to Reunite, 2/9

Ricardo Khan and L. Kenneth Richardson, who co-founded Crossroads Theatre Company in 1978 as young Rutgers graduates, will reunite for the first time in 25 years at a special kickoff event for "Legacy Month" on Sunday, Feb. 9, celebrating the theater's history and enduring contributions to black theater and the American cultural landscape.

Subsequent events will include a staged reading of Repairing a Nation, a new play by Obie Award-winner Nikkole Salter, and Richard Wesley's Playbook, a celebration of the playwright/screenwriter's work with performances, video and testimonials. Each event is a fundraiser comprising a reception at 12 noon followed by an on-stage program at 2 p.m. There also will be a silent auction of luxury and historic items, as well as raffles. Tickets to The Combined reception and onstage presentation for each event are $75; or $25 for the presentation only.

Khan and Richardson, who last worked together in 1988 when the theater was still located in a former factory building on Memorial Parkway, will reflect on their early conversations and plans for the theater in an onstage dialogue beginning at 2 p.m. following the noon reception. Crossroads' first board president, Dr. Cheryl A. Wall, Rutgers Board of Governors Zora Neale Hurston Professor of English, will moderate the program.

"Lee and Rick were visionaries who were instrumental in developing the careers of so many theater artists," said Crossroads' Producing Artistic Director Marshall Jones III. "We are pleased to re-visit their pioneering days as young theater professionals, who galvanized a whole generation of artists, including myself. Their spirit will always be a part of the fabric of Crossroads."

Repairing a Nation will be presented as a staged reading at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 16, also preceded by a noon reception with the writer. Salter's play looks at the economic calamity that caused the 1921 Tulsa, Okla., race riots and explores the question of financial restitution.

Richard Wesley's Playbook will be presented at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 2, also preceded by a noon reception with Wesley.

For more information about the events, go to crossroadstheatrecompany.org or call 732-545-8100.

Photo Courtesy of Crossroads Theatre Company

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