Negro Ensemble Company News

On Thursday, August 22, 2013, TeCo Theatrical Productions will close its 2013 speakers series with an intimate conversation with acclaimed actor, playwright, and Broadway legend Eugene Lee. Now in its second year, the series was designed to support the creative community and educate a larger constituency in appreciating the arts through quarterly events at the Bishop Arts Theatre.

In 'The Past Is Still Ahead' by Sophia Romma, one of Russia's most ill-fated and controversial cult poets of the twentieth century, Marina Tsvetaeva, revisits the tumultuously tragic and sexy events of her life--just before she succumbs to 'suicide' at the hands of the Soviet Secret Police in 1941 while exiled in Siberia. The play will be presented by Midtown InterNational Theatre Festival tonight, July 23, 27 and 28 at The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC, directed by Francois Rochaix.

The American Theatre Wing (William Ivey Long, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Heather Hitchens, Executive Director) is pleased to announce new appointments to its Board of Trustees and Advisory Committee.

Afrocentric Theatre by Carlton W. Molette and Barbara J. Molette updates their ground-breaking Black Theatre: Premise and Presentation that has been required reading in Black theatre courses for over twenty-five years. Afrocentric Theatre describes the nature of a theatre with roots in Africa that embraces and disseminates African American culture and values. The Molettes contend Black theatre is a culture-based art form, not a race-based one. They further assert culture and values shape perceptions of such concepts as time, space, heroism, reality, truth, and beauty. They say the nature of theatre is an outgrowth of a culture and its values and that culture and values form the framework for understanding theatre and govern the way theatre, film, and video drama is perceived. They identify standards for evaluating and analyzing Afrocentric theatre and posit an appropriate perspective for interpreting and evaluating its individual works.

Signature Theatre (James Houghton, Founding Artistic Director; Erika Mallin, Executive Director) will present an evening of cocktails and a special one-night-only concert starring one of Broadway's living legends, Betty Buckley, on Monday, September 30 in The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 W. 42nd Street) to support the Legacy Program in honor of Horton Foote.

In 'The Past Is Still Ahead' by Sophia Romma, one of Russia's most ill-fated and controversial cult poets of the twentieth century, Marina Tsvetaeva, revisits the tumultuously tragic and sexy events of her life--just before she succumbs to 'suicide' at the hands of the Soviet Secret Police in 1941 while exiled in Siberia. The play will be presented by Midtown International Theatre Festival on July 23, 27 and 28 at The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC, directed by Francois Rochaix.

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater Artistic Director David Van Asselt and Managing Director Brian Long have announced the company's 2013-14 season-its 19th-will include world premieres by Halley Feiffer, Charles Fuller, Samuel D. Hunter, Craig Lucas, Lucy Thurber, and Ken Urban.

The Ensemble Theatre is one of 30 African American theatres to participate in a national benefit staged play reading of A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller, tonight, June 17, 2013, 6:30PM at 3535 Main Street, Houston, TX.

The Ensemble Theatre is one of 30 African American theatres to participate in a national benefit staged play reading of A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller, Monday, June 17, 2013, 6:30PM at 3535 Main Street, Houston, TX.

Performance Network Theatre is proud to present three community discussions on Monday, May 13 at 6pm, Sunday, May 19 at 4:30pm, and Sunday, June 2 at 4:30pm regarding "The Mountaintop," by Katori Hall - the current Performance Network production that is an imagined portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last night on earth. These discussions are open to the public to facilitate dialogue about the play's innovative take on Dr. King's final hours.

Three friends embark on a joyous journey of sisterhood, discovering their inner 'duende' through a flamenco class for middle-aged women. Heart Song, the newest comedy/drama from Stephen Sachs (Bakersfield Mist, Cyrano), opens at The Fountain Theatre on May 25 with Shirley Jo Finney (In the Red and Brown Water) directing and choreography by internationally renowned flamenco dancer Maria "Cha Cha" Bermudez.

Luna Stage has announced its acting workshops for adults and children for April and May 2013. Details below!

Luna Stage has announced its acting workshops for adults and children for April and May 2013. Details below!

Signature Theatre and Lark Play Development Center present the Contemporary Chinese Playwriting Series, curated by David Henry Hwang.

Signature Theatre and Lark Play Development Center present the Contemporary Chinese Playwriting Series, curated by David Henry Hwang.

Rep Stage, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Howard Community College (HCC), continues its 20th anniversary season with 'Home,' Samm-Art Williams' brilliantly inventive, lyrically expressive play that tells the coming-of-age story of a young black man, Cephus Miles, from rural North Carolina. From beginning to end - and through tragedy and triumph - Cephus never loses his joyful goodwill, his indomitable spirit, and the conviction that one day his quest for fulfillment with be rewarded. 'Home' stars returning Rep Stage actors Felicia Curry and Fatima Quander, as well as Rep newcomer Robert Lee Hardy in the role of Cephus Miles.

4th Wall Theatre presents the play HAVING OUR SAY for Black History Month for one weekend only.