Elizabeth Alexander News

This fall, The New York Public Library and the Academy of American Poets will present a free series of four conversations exploring how different art forms engage with poetry. These conversations will pair some of today's most intriguing poets with accomplished artists, dancers, chefs, and actors.

President Obama celebrated National Poetry Month in the State Dining Room at the White House, hailing the art for its contributions to the world.

The Public Theater presents the free one-night event, PUBLIC FORUM: SHAKESPEARE IN AMERICA, tonight, June 30 at 8:00 p.m. at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Whitney Bashor, Annette Bening, Jessica Chastain, author E.L. Doctorow, Jackie Hoffman, Justin Levine, Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson, and Micah Stock join this exciting evening, which will celebrate Shakespeare and the newly released Library of America book, Shakespeare in America, edited by Public Theater Shakespeare Scholar in Residence James Shapiro.

Jessica Chastain, Annette Bening, F. Murray Abraham, and E.L. Doctorow join tomorrow night's PUBLIC FORUM: SHAKESPEARE IN AMERICA! Join us as we celebrate Shakespeare and the newly released Library of America book, Shakespeare in America, edited by Public Theater Shakespeare Scholar in Residence James Shapiro.

The Public Theater announced additional casting today for the free one-night event, PUBLIC FORUM: SHAKESPEARE IN AMERICA, on Monday, June 30 at 8:00 p.m. at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Whitney Bashor, Annette Bening, Jessica Chastain, author E.L. Doctorow, Jackie Hoffman, Justin Levine, Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson, and Micah Stock join this exciting evening which will celebrate Shakespeare and the newly released Library of America book, Shakespeare in America, edited by Public Theater Shakespeare Scholar in Residence James Shapiro.

The International Festival of Arts & Ideas today announced complete details for Festival 2014, taking place from June 14 to 28 in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme for the Festival's 19th annual event is Transformation & Tradition, gathering together artists and thinkers who have drawn from the past in order to imagine the future in ways that are startling, bold, and exciting.

The Public Theater announced additional casting today for the free one-night event, PUBLIC FORUM: SHAKESPEARE IN AMERICA, on Monday, June 30 at 8:00 p.m. at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

The International Festival of Arts & Ideas today announced complete details for Festival 2014, taking place from June 14 to 28 in New Haven, Connecticut. The theme for the Festival's 19th annual event is Transformation & Tradition, gathering together artists and thinkers who have drawn from the past in order to imagine the future in ways that are startling, bold, and exciting.

Poet Elizabeth Alexander and playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins will hold a wide ranging conversation inspired by August Wilson's Fences as part of Long Wharf Theatre's Sunday Symposium series.

After a wildly successful extended run last spring, Urban Stages (France Hill, Founding Artistic Director; Peter Napolitano, Producing Associate) will remount their production of Greg Kalleres' biting comedy HONKY - a NY TimesCritics' Pick! Directed by Luke Harlan, HONKY will begin its performances on October 22 and open on Sunday, October 27 through November 17, 2013 at Urban Stages (259 West 30 Street). Tickets will be $40 ($25 during previews) and will be available at www.Smarttix.comor by calling 212.868.4444.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL hosted First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters Sasha and Malia at the matinee performance on Sunday, August 25, 2013. The Obama family was joined by poet Elizabeth Alexander (who composed and delivered "Praise Song for the Day" for the first inauguration of President Obama), and the party was greeted by a standing ovation upon recognition by the audience inside the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

First Lady Michelle Obama recently stopped by the Poetry Student workshop where she had this to say:

The President and Mrs. Obama will host a celebration of American poetry and prose by welcoming accomplished poets, musicians and artists as well as students from across the country to the White House next week.

The President and Mrs. Obama will host a celebration of American poetry and prose by welcoming accomplished poets, musicians and artists as well as students from across the country to the White House next week.

Second Stage Theatre will host a post-performance conversation between Anna Deavere Smith and Elizabeth Alexander following the Thursday, December 3 evening performance of Let Me Down Easy. A renowned poet, essayist and playwright, Elizabeth Alexander most recently composed and delivered the poem 'Praise Song for the Day' for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. The conversation is free to all in attendance at the Thursday, December 3 8:00pm performance.

LINCOLN CENTER OUT OF DOORS 09 - AUGUST 5 - 23 39th Season of FREE Performances Announced! Opening Night Features Debut of BANG ON A CAN's Asphalt Orchestra with Works Commissioned for Lincoln Center's 50th Anniversary and concert FEATURING The Dave Brubeck Quartet with Guest Simon Shaheen and the NY Debut of amir Elsaffar's two rivers large ensemble.

Celebrated pianist, songwriter, arranger, producer, Crescent City's own Allen Toussaint will be the headliner for Lincoln Center Out of Doors' 'Roots of American Music' concert in Damrosch Park on Saturday, August 22.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello will co-headline Lincoln Center Out of Doors' concert in Damrosch Park on August 7, sharing a bill with Raul Midón. She replaces Rokia Traoré (previously announced) whose scheduled U.S. tour has been postponed. Ndegeocello blends jazz, funk, rock, rap and soul as she continues to develop the 'neo-soul' genre she is credited with sparking.

LINCOLN CENTER OUT OF DOORS 09 - AUGUST 5 - 23 39th Season of FREE Performances Announced! Opening Night Features Debut of BANG ON A CAN's Asphalt Orchestra with Works Commissioned for Lincoln Center's 50th Anniversary and concert FEATURING The Dave Brubeck Quartet with Guest Simon Shaheen and the NY Debut of amir Elsaffar's two rivers large ensemble.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello will co-headline Lincoln Center Out of Doors' concert in Damrosch Park on August 7, sharing a bill with Raul Midón. She replaces Rokia Traoré (previously announced) whose scheduled U.S. tour has been postponed. Ndegeocello blends jazz, funk, rock, rap and soul as she continues to develop the 'neo-soul' genre she is credited with sparking.