The Hansberry Project and Danceable Planet Announce Double Bill Program

The Hansberry Project at ACT announces the return of You Really Got a Hold on Me, the overwhelmingly popular staged reading of selected writings on love from African American writers and poets, plus a new collaboration with Danceable Planet, titled Poetry+Motion.

This double bill program on February 13 at 4:00 p.m. will showcase local African American arts organizations while celebrating both literary and performance expressions on love.

Presented by The Hansberry Project, You Really Got a Hold on Me opens the afternoon with writings read by local actors and couples, set to popular rhythm and blues love songs. The program features Steve and Vida Sneed, Seattle City Councilman Bruce and JoAnne Harrell, and Jace and Leilani Farr, joined by Tracey Michelle Hughes, Jason Holt, Telena Bennett, Jason Sanford, and Jazmyn Scott.
Presented by Danceable Planet, Poetry+Motion celebrates African American poetry and dance. Works from the African American Writers Alliance and other local poets are read and expressed through dance and movement, presented by youth performers from the Nu Black Arts West Theatre and professional dancers Duane George, Afua N'diaye, and Karen Sims.

When developing this collaboration, Valerie Curtis-Newton, The Hansberry Project Artistic Director and Suzanne Simmons of Danceable Planet wanted to create an opportunity for African American organizations to jointly present quality programming. "There are so few venues and opportunities for local African American artists to be showcased, and this is one of those rare opportunities where we can bring our audiences together, and celebrate our history and our contributions to literary and performing arts," said Curtis-Newton. Simmons adds, "The work of The Hansberry Project has been excellent and our support is unwavering, so this seemed like a great opportunity to bring our resources together and give our community a really sweet treat right at Valentine's Day."
Tickets for this double bill event are $20 per person and include champagne and chocolates! It takes place at ACT Theatre, 700 Union Street in downtown Seattle, in the Bullitt Cabaret. Seating is limited.

Purchase tickets online at www.acttheatre.org or at (206) 292-7676.