THE ARTS
NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE SELECTS NEW PLAYWRIGHT RESIDENTS
Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre (NBT) has selected two Black playwrights for its I AM SOUL residency program, the nation’s premier theatrical program dedicated solely to the development of Black playwrights, with a commitment to a workshop production of their new works. Angelica Chéri and Derek Lee McPhatter were chosen for the fourth round of the program as part of a competitive national selection process for the 18-month residency that will focus on the creation of a new play to be produced in 2018.
“Playwrights are key architects of culture. They craft new narratives that ask us to inspect society as we know it. It is through the I AM SOUL program that NBT is able to imagine the future of theater, as playwrights conjure a new world, generate possible solutions and craft stories that let us see who we are,” said NBT Director of Theatre Arts Jonathan McCrory. “It is with honor and excitement that we award this honor on Angelica and Derek, two unique artists who use their work to complicate, celebrate and redefine the notion of Blackness not traditionally seen in mainstream America.”
Angelica Chéri is a prolific playwright and a California resident whose work has been produced and developed by the Billie Holiday Theater, the Pershing Square Signature Theater and Fire This Time Festival. She has done residencies at Goodspeed Musicals and the Two River Theater. Chéri’s play “The Sting of White Roses” will be produced by the Prophet Cycle this fall at the North Carolina Repertory Company. Derek Lee McPhatter is no stranger to NBT, having developed two full-length plays at the theater’s Keep Soul Alive reading
series. McPhatter’s works have been presented by the Fire This Time Festival, Harlem Stage, the Institute of Contemporary Arts (London) and Lyric Opera of Chicago. He was a semifinalist in the 2015 Disney Writing Program and received a fellowship in the Guy A. Hanks and Marvin Miller Screenwriting Program at the University of Southern California. The Pickerington, Ohio, native now splits his time between New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. On Thursday, September 1, the duo will officially start their residencies and begin to develop
their new plays. Each will receive a commissioning fee, administrative and dramaturgical support, in-house readings, office and rehearsal space, and a 29-hour developmental workshop. Each residency will conclude with a public showing of the developed work as a limited engagement workshop production in February 2018 as part of NBT’s 49th season. Through this program, NBT is able to strengthen the artistic relationship between historic Black theatrical institutions and Black playwrights to help diversify the narratives being developed and produced about Black lifestyle. NBT recently announced that the 48th season will include two workshop productions by thirdcycle I AM SOUL playwrights in residence: Dennis A. Allen II’s “Manhood” in February 2017 and Nambi E. Kelley’s “Blood” in March 2017. Additional information about the workshop productions will be released later this year. Follow NBT on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ NationalBlackTheatre) and Twitter/Instagram (@NatBlackTheatre).
CALDER CASINO TO HOST MIAMI GARDENS WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE
Councilwoman Lisa Davis proudly presents the 2nd Annual Miami Gardens Wine and Food Experience, Saturday November 12th from 6pm to Midnight at Calder Casino, located just north of the New Miami Stadium and City Hall at 21001 NW 27th Avenue.
participation.” – Councilwoman Lisa Davis, City of Miami Gardens. Due to the amazing popularity and demand for the event to return, it was necessary to secure a larger venue, and Calder Casino generously stepped up to the plate. Located just minutes from the New Miami Stadium and City Hall, Calder Casino is one of the premier entertainment options that the city has to offer. ”We are happy to partner with Councilwoman Davis and the City of Miami Gardens to host this fantastic event,” said Maureen Adams, President of Calder Casino. “We entertain thousands of guests at Calder on a weekly basis, and we look forward to showing many new people what of guests at Calder on a weekly basis, and we look forward to showing many new people what the city of Miami Gardens has to offer.”
The brainchild of Councilwoman Davis, last year’s event was masterfully executed with style and class by her production team, and in its first year, brought delicious and surprising results with over 600 South Florida residents in attendance. Making their way from Homestead and even West Palm Beach, attendees were treated to tastings, educational seminars, and competitions that brought out the best in local “chef-lebrities”! An entourage from Orlando made it a point to be front and center to meet and greet celebrity host, actor Omari Hardwick! Sophisticated and well planned, this elegant pairing event impressed wine lovers who saw this as a prime opportunity to travel from California to Miami, only to have their palates pleased with the amazing varietals wine sponsors such as PRP Wine International, provided. This year is bigger and better than ever! The return of ‘Master Chef Cook-Off’ and the addition of the new ‘Sweet Freak’ Baking Competition are NewYorkTrendnyc
All tickets are VIP, just $125 and include unlimited ‘sip and savor’ moments amongst Celebrity Chefs and Sommeliers, and may be purchased via our Facebook page @MiamiGardensWine&Food Experiece. just a few of the delights in-store for Foodies, Oenophiles, City residents and sponsors. “There’s no greater way to invite the world into Miami Gardens. This
promises to be a luxurious evening filled with delicious food paired with fine wines. Our friends at Calder Casino , have already been gracious hosts and we appreciate their
September 1, 2016- September 7, 2016
The Miami Gardens Wine and Food Experience 2016 is currently accepting applications for vendors and entries for the ‘Master Chef Cook-Off’ and ‘Sweet Freak’ Baking Competition. Like us on Facebook and learn more. www.newyorktrendnyc.com
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