'The Hate U Gave: The Tupac Shakur Story'

Ground Up & Rising and ArtSouth Bring an Original Play to Homestead, Florida
The Hate U Gave: The Tupac Shakur Story 

Ground Up & Rising, a 501(c)3 non-profit company devoted to the growth of the dramatic arts, announced their upcoming collaboration with ArtSouth to stage the original play The Hate U Gave: The Tupac Shakur Story in Homestead, Florida. This production marks the beginning of a humanitarian partnership that brings a full season of Ground Up & Rising's unique brand of critically acclaimed professional programming to the underserved Homestead community. Directed by Arturo Fernandez, Producing Artistic Director for Ground Up & Rising, The Hate U Gave: The Tupac Shakur Story will be staged at ArtSouth at 8 PM on April 17th and 18th, and at 3 PM on April 19th. Tickets are $15, and $10 for seniors, students and military with ID. 

"We are proud to bring our ground-breaking theatre season to a culturally underserved community with no other professional theatre in the area," says Jose Terrier, Marketing Director for Ground Up & Rising. "We share a common goal with ArtSouth - to cultivate a passion for the Arts in the hearts and minds of the young people in Homestead who might not be exposed to theatre otherwise. Plus, we strive to make theatre more accessible by offering the lowest ticket prices in town while addressing hard-hitting contemporary issues that demand everyone's attention."

Starring and written by Meshaun Labrone Arnold, a Miami-based actor, playwright and teacher, The Hate U Gave vividly depicts Tupac Shakur's volatile anger, introspective vulnerability and much more. As a man imprisoned by his past, society, self, reality and regret, Tupac wrestles with the demons that haunted him until his death. Ground Up & Rising's previous production of The Hate U Gave in July '08 was very well received by patrons and critics alike:

"The most thought-provoking and lacerating evening in South Florida theater." - Sun-Sentinel

"Remarkable show ... effortless speed and force, pummeling your guts and breaking your heart before he goes to work on your head." - Miami New Times

"A fantasia of obscenity-laced raps and rants examining the good intentions, tragic results and destructive hypocrisy living at the intersection of race, art and pop culture." - Sun-Sentinel

"A dazzlingly insightful script and mesmerizing performance ... a don't miss production"
                                                                                                                       - Sun-Sentinel

As part of this collaboration, the ArtSouth venue will host the following Ground Up & Rising productions after The Hate U Gave: The Tupac Shakur Story:
- On an Average Day, by John Kolvenbach
- Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train, by Stephen Adly Guirgis
- A Chamber Music & Theatre Collaboration Piece with Project Copernicus
- The Pillowman, by Martin McDonagh

These productions fulfill Ground Up & Rising's ongoing commitment to give young, local artists valuable opportunities through its signature programs. Young adults from the Ground Up & Rising "Bridging the Gap" Mentorship Program will assist on these productions in many capacities as part of the intensive educational outreach component associated with this collaboration. The Ground Up & Rising 2009 Season is produced in association with Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs, the Board of County Commissioners and WLRN. 

The Hate U Gave: The Tupac Shakur Story - Show Information

Dates:         Friday, April 17th; Saturday, April 18th; Sunday, April 19th, 2009

Times:         8 PM on Friday & Saturday
                  3 PM on Sunday

Location:     ArtSouth
                  240 N. Krome Avenue
                  Homestead, FL 33030

Tickets:       General: $15
                  Students, Seniors & Military (with ID): $10
       
To purchase tickets, please visit www.ArtSouthHomestead.org or call 305-247-9406.

For more information on Ground Up & Rising and The Hate U Gave: The Tupac Shakur Story, please visit www.GroundUpandRising.org or call 305-529-6233.

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