Talvin Wilks News

Pig Iron Theatre Company, the internationally acclaimed, Philadelphia-based organization, has announced that the world premiere of its ambitious, timely production A Period of Animate Existence will take place September 22-24 at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Pennsylvania in the 2017 Fringe Festival, co-presented by FringeArts and Annenberg Center Live.

Dr. Barbara Ann Teer's National Black Theatre (NBT) has joined forces with Hi-ARTS for the world premiere of The Peculiar Patriot.

This artfully square rendering of a radio studio serves as the set for Radicals in Miniature, an oral history that excavates the lives of non-celebrities. Created by Ain Gordon and Talvin Wilks - Gordon is joined in performance by Josh Quillen - Radicals begins with its performers chanting the word 'fan' over and over again while unleashing a litany of facts that would be obscure even if their subject matter weren't.

The Jerome Robbins Foundation introduces the The Springboard Project:  Fostering Collaboration in Dance-Driven Musical Theater.

There is be nothing on the stage more exhilarating, exasperating and joyful than the sight of an entire company completely committed, all on the edge-dancing literally on the edge of success, on the edge of failure. "Walking with 'Trane (2015)" reminds us what a vital contribution Urban Bush Women company has made to the American performing arts.

Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) presents a World Premiere from playwright and director Ain Gordon, written and directed in partnership with percussionist and composer Josh Quillen.

Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) presents a World Premiere from playwright and director Ain Gordon, written and directed in partnership with percussionist and composer Josh Quillen.

Bringing their signature style of vivid, strong, and intelligent dance to the Eisenhower Theater, Urban Bush Women returns to the Kennedy Center for the first time since 2008 with the evening-length work, Walking with 'Trane for two performances, April 7 and 8, 2017. Created by co-choreographers Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and Samantha Speis and dramaturg Talvin Wilks in collaboration with the company,Walking with 'Trane is inspired by the musical life and spiritual journey of mid-century jazz musician and composer John Coltrane, who stood at the forefront of jazz and bebop innovation in racially charged 1960's America.

The Harold Clurman Lab Theater, the professional wing of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting New York City, is proud to announce its first 2017 offering.

Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) announces the Spring 2017 performance and residency series, which runs January 7 through June 17. Tickets for BAC Presents performances in theater, music, and dance can be purchased now at bacnyc.org and 866 811 4111. Throughout the season, BAC Residencies will provide critical support to eleven artists across disciplines to develop new work in BAC's studios.

For almost seven decades, Carmen de Lavallade has led an unparalleled career in dance, theater, film and television that began in her hometown of Los Angeles.  Now, Ms. de Lavallade returns to celebrate her 85th birthday onstage at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with As I Remember It, an intimate portrait of the legendary artist told through dance, film, music and her own personal writings. This one-night-only performance will take place on Friday, October 28 at 8pm.

Over 300 performances of more than 50 different programs of theater, dance and music featuring local and world-renowned talent are on tap for the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts' 2016/17 season, among them a production of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, helmed by SPRING AWAKENING director Michael Arden.

Stage Directors and Choreographers Society announced the release of a Diversity and Inclusion Statement of Commitment at Monday's semi-annual membership meeting.

In one of those strange theater-going coincidences, the night after I saw two one-act plays at the Guthrie, I attended opening night of Penumbra's presentation of two one-act plays. Both paired plays by different playwrights linked by a common theme. But unlike the theater comedies THE CRITIC and THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND, THE DUTCHMAN and THE OWL ANSWERS are dense and meaty dramas dealing with heavy issues. They might not make you laugh (except, occasionally, uncomfortably), but they will definitely make you think. Written in the '60s as part of the Black Arts Movement, these plays take an unforgiving look at the racism, sexism, and classism of the day, that still have implications in today's world. A stellar ensemble cast and top-notch production design tie the two very different plays together and highlight the playwrights' messages. Though they are not easy to watch and I can't say I understood everything that was going on, I certainly came away with much to chew on, and a greater understanding of our shared history. Which is pretty much a given at Penumbra Theatre.

Following the success of last year's THE LAST WORD festival, the Roundhouse announces a thrilling programme for its third season, presenting the best of spoken word, storytelling and live performance, from Tuesday 24 May - Saturday 18 June.

The FirstWorks Artistic Icons Series continues in 12 days with "Walking with 'Trane," a new live music/dance event created by the electrifying, Brooklyn-based Urban Bush Women dance troupe in tribute to the life of legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and his seminal jazz suite, "A Love Supreme." "Walking with 'Trane" has its New England premiere on Saturday, February 27, 8 p.m. at The Vets in downtown Providence. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for JumpStart festivities in the venue lobby, featuring performances by The Leland Baker 4tet, Edgar Viloria's Thr3e Live Dance Company and Central Falls High School Africana Arts students. Tickets, which start at $38, are on sale now at 401-421-ARTS (2787) and at first-works.org.

BRIC is pleased to present the world premiere of The Spinning Wheel, an explosive multimedia performance, along with an interactive gallery exhibition, by hip hop theater artist and musician Baba Israel. Created in collaboration with UK based director Leo Kay and musician Yako 440, The Spinning Wheel remixes and reinterprets the 50-year legacy of Israel's late father, steve ben israel (1938-2012), a political activist and member of The Living Theatre, an iconic, avant-garde theater group. Through spoken word, video, and live music, Baba Israel not only animates the radical, countercultural impulses of New York City during the 1960s and '70s, but also, lovingly pays tribute to his father.

Camille A. Brown & Dancers, notably recognized for their introspective approach to cultural themes and socio-political dialogues, kicked off its 2015-2016 season tour with the world premiere of their newest work entitled BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play for a week-long engagement at The Joyce Theater, running through September 27. Choreographed by Bessie Award and Doris Duke Artist award-winning choreographer Camille A. Brown, and performed by an all-female cast featuring live music by composers Scott Patterson (piano) and Tracy Wormworth (electric bass), this piece reveals the complexity of carving out a self-defined identity as a black female in urban America. Moderated conversations with Mark Anthony Neal and Dream Hampton engage audiences following each performance in a 'second-act' dialogue around the cultural and universal themes presented in the choreography.

Camille A. Brown & Dancers, recognized for its introspective approach to cultural themes through visceral movement and socio-political dialogues, announces its 2015-2016 Season tour. Commencing with the world premiere of Bessie and Doris Duke award-winning choreographer Camille A. Brown's BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play at New York's Joyce Theater, the company will also tour to 10 venues and cities across the nation, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami. Performances will feature original live music by composers Scott Patterson (piano) and Tracy Wormworth (electric bass), and a moderated dialogue with audiences around the cultural and universal themes presented by the Company's repertory. Mark Anthony Neal and dream hampton are among the moderators for the Joyce Theater. The season will also include various residencies, Black Girl Spectrum workshops and panel discussions.

Kathy Evans, Founding Executive Director of Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, announced the 17 writers and 8 new musicals selected for the fifth summer of weeklong retreats. For eight consecutive weeks beginning July 5th, each writing team will have a residency in Rhinebeck, New York. Writers are provided a private home, transportation, food, and a $400 stipend. This year's writers include Obie winner Kirsten Childs, Tony nominee Elizabeth Davis, and 2015 Jonathan Larson award-winners Charlie Sohne, Tim Rosser, and Sam Willmott, who also just won the Kleban Prize.