The Providence Black Rep Re-Opens to the Public

The Providence Black Repertory Company (The Black Rep) hosted a Re-opening Celebration and Fundraiser on Friday, January 11th from 5pm until closing.  Hundreds of Black Rep supporters attended, raising nearly $5,000 for its 'Save our Celing' campaign.

On December 27, a large piece of the ceiling and the attached ductwork above the Xxodus Café and The Black Rep's performance space gave way.  Two employees were in the building when the ceiling collapsed, but neither was hurt.  In the past two weeks, the ceiling has undergone extensive demolition, repair and inspection.  Last night, nearly all evidence of the collapse, was gone.

Early in the evening, Executive Artistic Director Donald W. King, joined by Mayor David Cicilline, thanked the community for supporting the Black Rep throughout the last two weeks.  

Performers at the event included, Black Rep Affiliated Artists, Raidge, Elizabeth Anne Keiser, and Michaelle Santil: Neon Soul Collective performers Mark McCall and Chachi Carvalho, who also MC'd the evening; and resident artist, Malian drummer, Sidy Maiga accompanied by Paul Cuffee students and Black Rep Monday Night Drumming students.  The evening finished with the Friday debut of Afrosonic, a soulful House Music dance event, where live musicians accompany the in-house DJ.

The Black Rep will present The Bluest Eye, an adaptation of Toni Morrison's acclaimed novel, on schedule.  The Bluest Eye opens in previews February 2nd and runs through March 9th.

For more information on The Black Rep, visit www.blackrep.org

Photo: The Black Rep performance space, soon after the ceiling collapse.  Photo Credit:  The Black Rep