New Black Play Festival to Hit New York this Fall; Nottage, Parks et al. Lend Support

Playwright Lynn Nottage, author of RUINED, hosted a fund-raising party for the New Black Fest, an upcoming festival which will "showcase innovative work by and about black people," The New York Times reports.  The first New Black Fest will be held this fall and will feature readings and panel discussions; the festival's organizers and supporters are currently raising funds and seeking advisers.

The benefit's attendees included playwright Suzan-Lori Parks (TOPDOG/UNDERDOG), actors Sandra Oh, Russell Hornsby, Chris Chalk, and Eisa Davis, directors Malcolm Lee and Charles Randolph-Wright, and associate director of Arena Stage David Dower.  The event raised $7000. 

Of the festival, Nottage told the Times, "This is not about separation, it's about inclusion. It's about inviting people who don't get access.... What about African-Canadian writers or writers from England or the Caribbean whose voices don't get heard?"

The New Black Fest's artistic directors are Public Theater artistic associate Jocelyn Price and playwrights Keith Joseph Adkins and J. Holtham.

Photo Credit: Monica Simoes