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Showing posts with label New Federal Theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Federal Theatre. Show all posts
1.29.2012
Woodie King, Jr. To Be Inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame January 30, 2012
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
This is very exciting and wonderful news! My friend, Woodie King, Jr., who just celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the New Federal Theatre, which he established at the Henry Street Settlement way back in 1971, will formally be inducted into New York's American Theatre Hall of Fame, Monday, January 30th, at the Gershwin Theatre.
Woodie had actually contacted me about his nomination back in October of 2011. He was stunned, shocked, surprised and definitely honored. I can imagine from his tone of voice, that even he, the unflappable, unperturbable Woodie King, was more than a little excited by this great honor. Read "flabbergasted." We were to have sat down for a one-on-one interview, however our busy schedules have not allowed for that opportunity - yet. We'll just have to find a way to make it happen,
In the interim, I absolutely could not let the event pass without alerting you. This is indeed a great honor upon which only a few have been bestowed. The criteria is quite high, and designated for only the creme de la creme - and that would definitely be Woodie.
According to Wikipedia, those who are eligible come from various disciplines of stage and screen, including actors, playwrights, song writers, designers, directors and producers who have had a career on Broadway spanning at least twenty-five years with a minimum of five major theatrical credits.
Selections are made by approximately 400 voting members from the Theater Hall of Fame and the American Theatre Critics Association. Each year the induction takes place at a ceremony at the Gershwin Theatre in Manhattan, where his name would be embossed in bronze-gold lettering on a bronze plaque, which would be hung on the theater's entrance walls flanking its grand staircase and escalator; joining the other myriad of celebrities who have been honored in the past.
As to whether or not he fits the criteria, please note that Woodie King, Jr, is a renowned African-American director and producer of stage and screen, as well as the founding director of the reknowned New Federal Theatre in New York City.
The following are some of Woodie's credits in film and stage direction and production (this a partial list, the complete list would take me hours to compile):
A Raisin in the Sun - Alliance Theater (Atlanta, Georgia) 1994
Eyes (based in Zora Neales Hurston's Their Eyes were Watching God) by Mari Evans American Cabaret Theater (Indiana) 1995–1996
Splendid Mummer American Place Theatre 1987
Checkmates Bermuda International Theatre Festival 1995–1996
Good Black Don't Crack Billie Holiday Theatre (Brooklyn) 1993
Checkmates Broadway (New York) 1988
Joe Turner's Come and Gone Brooklyn College 1996–1997
Home Samm-Art WilliamsCenter Stage of Baltimore, Cincinnati Playhouse, Cleveland Playhouse 1996–1997
And The World Laughs With You Crossroads Theatre Company (New Jersey) 1994
Ali 1998–1999
Joe Turner's Come and Gone Detroit Repertory Theater 1990
Mudtracks by Regina Taylor The Ensemble Studio Theater 1994
Ford's Theater God's Trombone 1990
A Raisin in the Sun GeVa Theatre 1991
Angels in America Ohio State University 1998–1999
The Piano Lesson Seminole State College of Florida 2012
Co-Produced Plays
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
What the Wine Sellers Buy
Reggae
Taking of Miss Janie for which he receivedThe Drama Critic Circle Award
Other Awards Include:
1985 Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Appear and Show Cause
1988 NAACP Image Award for directing Checkmates at the Inner City Cultural Center
1993 AUDELCO awards for Best Director and Best Play for Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil
1997 Obie Award for Sustained Achievement
2003 Paul Robeson Award
2005 Rosetta LeNoire Award
2011 Induction into American Theatre Hall of Fame
On Monday evening, once again,history will be made as Woodie King joins the likes of Eubie Blake, Roscoe Lee Browne, Gregory Hines, Tennessee Williams, Bernadette Peters, Christopher Plummer, and a great many others in the American Theatre Hall of Fame. Congratulations to you, Woodie. You've got many more stars and honors coming your way.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
5.20.2011
SPECIAL EVENT ALERT UPDATE: Woodie King Jr.‘s New Federal Theatre 40th Anniversary Celebration
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Well its 48 hours and counting until the Celebration of New Federal Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Award and Gala!!
This a monumental milestone in the annals of Black History - make no mistake about it! From Ira Aldrich, to Paul Robeson, to Oscar Michaux, to Ossie and Ruby, to Belafonte and Portier, and all those in between, the great, near great, known, lesser known brothers and sisters who have graced the stage, daring to put their all out there to prove the legitimacy of Black theatre, drama, talent - 40 years of continued existence and excellence is no small accomplishment.
And yes, it’s time for the applause, the kudos; time to say encore, magnifique, marvelous, and moto bene to Woodie King Jr., for a monumental job well done.
Likewise to the honorees: Sidney Poitier, Ntozake Shange, Ruby Dee, Alicia Keys, Hon. David Dinkins, Imhotep Gary Byrd, George Faison, Amiri Baraka, Rev. Malcolm Boyd, Elizabeth McCann, Carla Pinza, Terrie Williams and National Black Theatre Festival (Sylvia Spinkle-Hamlin) - each an icon in their own right, and totally worthy of praise and accolades for their impact on our lives, our culture, and the multicultural blueprint of the country.
Presenters represent the who's who of entertainment - stage, screen, television - including: Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Townsend, Danny Glover, S. Epatha Merkerson, Lamman Rucker, Sonia Sanchez, Dr Mary Schmidt Campbell, Glynn Turman, Ted Lange, Tommy Hicks, Pia Lindstrom, Pamela Portier, Starletta DuPois, Garrett Morris, Susan Taylor, and Oz Scott.
Woodie King, Jr., acknowledged in a recently held interview, that the Black theatre would be nothing without the Black community. So it is likewise to our credit that we have had the cognizance to understand what a vital role they play in telling our story, keeping us entertained, translating our triumphs and tragedies; as well as giving us an opportunity to bask in the fantasy of suspended disbelief while they keep us thoroughly entertained.
Honorary Chair is none other than the great Maya Angelou; Chairs for the event are Laurence Fishburne, John Morning and Susan Taylor; with the glamorous Emmy Award-Winner Lynn Whitfield & Randall Pinkston (CBS News) serving as hosts of the evenings festivities.
The stars will be coming out on Sunday, May 22, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the historical Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street, between Broadway & 8th Avenue)
Founded by Woodie King, Jr. in 1970, New Federal Theatre (NFT) has gone on to international acclaim for its bold mission to integrate African Americans, minorities and women into the mainstream of American theater by training artists for the profession, and by presenting plays by African Americans, minorities and women to integrated, multicultural audiences – plays which evoke the truth through beautiful, artistic recreations of ourselves.
Under Woodie King, Jr.'s stewardship, NFT presented over 280 productions in the last four decades including: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, What the Winesellers Buy, Reggae, The Taking of Miss Janie and The Dance and The Railroad. His directorial credits are extensive and include work in film as well as in theater. He has directed at the most prominent theaters across the country and has been the recipient of numerous awards from AUDELCO, The NAACP, Drama Critics Circle and an Obie Award for Sustained Achievement
Specializing in African American and minority drama, New Federal Theatre has brought the joy of the living stage to not only the African American community living on the Lower East Side, near NFT’s home at Henry Street Settlement’s Abrons Arts Center, but to audiences from all over the metropolitan area. NFT has provided emerging playwrights with the opportunity to have their works produced; and catapulted Black actors, directors and designers to national attention and sponsored numerous ethnic theater groups and event.
For information and reservations call or contact: (212) 838-2660 x 14.
We have come so far, got so very far to go, but as we move forward, we must celebrate each and every milestone along the way, and each and every person who stayed the course in spite of and because of the challenges, and the bigger vision that kept them keeping on. GDW
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Well its 48 hours and counting until the Celebration of New Federal Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Award and Gala!!
This a monumental milestone in the annals of Black History - make no mistake about it! From Ira Aldrich, to Paul Robeson, to Oscar Michaux, to Ossie and Ruby, to Belafonte and Portier, and all those in between, the great, near great, known, lesser known brothers and sisters who have graced the stage, daring to put their all out there to prove the legitimacy of Black theatre, drama, talent - 40 years of continued existence and excellence is no small accomplishment.
And yes, it’s time for the applause, the kudos; time to say encore, magnifique, marvelous, and moto bene to Woodie King Jr., for a monumental job well done.
Likewise to the honorees: Sidney Poitier, Ntozake Shange, Ruby Dee, Alicia Keys, Hon. David Dinkins, Imhotep Gary Byrd, George Faison, Amiri Baraka, Rev. Malcolm Boyd, Elizabeth McCann, Carla Pinza, Terrie Williams and National Black Theatre Festival (Sylvia Spinkle-Hamlin) - each an icon in their own right, and totally worthy of praise and accolades for their impact on our lives, our culture, and the multicultural blueprint of the country.
Presenters represent the who's who of entertainment - stage, screen, television - including: Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Townsend, Danny Glover, S. Epatha Merkerson, Lamman Rucker, Sonia Sanchez, Dr Mary Schmidt Campbell, Glynn Turman, Ted Lange, Tommy Hicks, Pia Lindstrom, Pamela Portier, Starletta DuPois, Garrett Morris, Susan Taylor, and Oz Scott.
Woodie King, Jr., acknowledged in a recently held interview, that the Black theatre would be nothing without the Black community. So it is likewise to our credit that we have had the cognizance to understand what a vital role they play in telling our story, keeping us entertained, translating our triumphs and tragedies; as well as giving us an opportunity to bask in the fantasy of suspended disbelief while they keep us thoroughly entertained.
Honorary Chair is none other than the great Maya Angelou; Chairs for the event are Laurence Fishburne, John Morning and Susan Taylor; with the glamorous Emmy Award-Winner Lynn Whitfield & Randall Pinkston (CBS News) serving as hosts of the evenings festivities.
The stars will be coming out on Sunday, May 22, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the historical Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street, between Broadway & 8th Avenue)
Founded by Woodie King, Jr. in 1970, New Federal Theatre (NFT) has gone on to international acclaim for its bold mission to integrate African Americans, minorities and women into the mainstream of American theater by training artists for the profession, and by presenting plays by African Americans, minorities and women to integrated, multicultural audiences – plays which evoke the truth through beautiful, artistic recreations of ourselves.
Under Woodie King, Jr.'s stewardship, NFT presented over 280 productions in the last four decades including: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, What the Winesellers Buy, Reggae, The Taking of Miss Janie and The Dance and The Railroad. His directorial credits are extensive and include work in film as well as in theater. He has directed at the most prominent theaters across the country and has been the recipient of numerous awards from AUDELCO, The NAACP, Drama Critics Circle and an Obie Award for Sustained Achievement
Specializing in African American and minority drama, New Federal Theatre has brought the joy of the living stage to not only the African American community living on the Lower East Side, near NFT’s home at Henry Street Settlement’s Abrons Arts Center, but to audiences from all over the metropolitan area. NFT has provided emerging playwrights with the opportunity to have their works produced; and catapulted Black actors, directors and designers to national attention and sponsored numerous ethnic theater groups and event.
For information and reservations call or contact: (212) 838-2660 x 14.
We have come so far, got so very far to go, but as we move forward, we must celebrate each and every milestone along the way, and each and every person who stayed the course in spite of and because of the challenges, and the bigger vision that kept them keeping on. GDW
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
6.07.2010
EVENT ALERT: WOODIE KING AND NEW FEDERAL THEATRE PRESENTS AN UNPRECEDENTED MONTH LONG SERIES OF GREAT BLACK PLAYS AND PLAYWRIGHTS
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
This is an absolute treat. Woodie King, Jr. Founder/CEO Henry Street Players, producer, writer, has assembled some of his favorite productions over the past 35 years to be reprised in readings. The concept being that since many of our contemporary youth missed the opportunity of being exposed to many of these great artists; and the likelihood of their being showcased on Broadway is somewhere between slim and none; he is providing an opportunity for them to witness the greatness of the writers. Coupled with the greatness of the celebrity guest artists who have given their consent to participate in these performances, it will be a wonderful time for all.
There will be such celebrity guest readers as Danny Glover, Ruby Dee and others. To find out who, when and where, contact Woodie King at New Federation - or just go and be pleasantly surprised.
I saw Lou Myers (formerly of Different World, and a renowned star of stage and screen, this past Sunday in the performance of Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil).
There is also opportunity for interaction with the playwrights as well as the artists in a Q and A after the performance, so inspiring playwrights have an opportunity to do some meaningful brainpicking.
The productions will be held at the National Black Theatre (NBT) in Harlem, 2031 Fifth Avenue (bet. 125th &126th); and the Castillo Theatre (CT) in Midtown 543 W. 42nd St. (between 10th and 11th Aves.) So mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some of the finest in Black Theatre.
JUNE 4
Black Girl
By J. E. Franklin
Director: Passion
(CT)
JUNE 5
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide
Ntozake Shange
Director: Trezana Beverly
(CT)
Tod, The Boy Tod
By Tavin Wilks
Director: Tavin Wilks
(CT)
JUNE 6
Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil
By: Bill Harris
Director: Ed Smith
Guest Star Artist: Lou Myers
NBT
Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?
By: Adam P. Kennedy &
Adrienne Kennedy
Director: Imani
NBT
JUNE 7
Do Lord Remember Me
By: James deJongh
Director: Reggie Life
(NBT)
JUNE 11
Meetings
By: Mustapha Matura
Director: Seret Scott
CT
JUNE 12
Sty of the Blind Pig
By: Phillip Hayes Dean
Director: Patricia White
CT
JUNE 13
A Recent Killing
By: Amiri Baraka
Director: Hampton V. Clanton
CT
Ceremonies in Dark Old Men
By Lonnie Elder
Director Clinton Turner Davis
NBT
When Chickens Came Home to Roost
&
Zora
By: Laurence Holder
Director: Allie Woods
NBT
JUNE 14
Sherlock Holmes & The Hand of Othello
By: Alexander Simmons
Director: Eric Coleman
NBT
JUNE 18
What the Winesellers Buy
By: Ron Milner
Director: Justin Lord
CT
JUNE 19
Long Time Since Yesterday
By: P.J. Gibson
Director: Bette Howard
CT
Top Dog/UnderDog
By Suzan-Lori Parks
Director: Jamie Richards
CT
JUNE 20
The Amen Corner
By: James Baldwin
Director: Chuck Patterson
NBT
The Black Terror
By: Richard Wesley
Director: Nathan George
NBT
JUNE 21
No Place to Be Somebody
By: Charles Gordone
Director : Ajene D. Washington
NBT
JUNE 25
Wedding Band
By: Alice Childress
Director: Chuck Smith
CT
JUNE 26
Crumbs From The Table of Joy
By: Lynn Nottage
Director: Marjorie Moon
CT
Flyin’ West
By Pearle Cleage
Director: Lydia Fort
CT
JUNE 27
Boogie Woogie and Booker T
By Wesley Brown
Director: A. Dean Irby
NBT
In the Wine Time
By: Ed Bullins
Director: Mansoor Najee-Ullah
NBT
Tickets for performances are available at www.theatremania.com (866-811-4111) or at NBT 2031 Fifth Avenue. New Federal Theatre Members admitted Free by presenting their membership cards. For additional information call (212) 353-1176, or visit NFT’s webste: www.newfederaltheatre.org
Our arts are a reflection of our culture. There's nothing more eloquent. I strongly urge you to get out and support our artists - take your family and friends. We have much to be proud of.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
This is an absolute treat. Woodie King, Jr. Founder/CEO Henry Street Players, producer, writer, has assembled some of his favorite productions over the past 35 years to be reprised in readings. The concept being that since many of our contemporary youth missed the opportunity of being exposed to many of these great artists; and the likelihood of their being showcased on Broadway is somewhere between slim and none; he is providing an opportunity for them to witness the greatness of the writers. Coupled with the greatness of the celebrity guest artists who have given their consent to participate in these performances, it will be a wonderful time for all.
There will be such celebrity guest readers as Danny Glover, Ruby Dee and others. To find out who, when and where, contact Woodie King at New Federation - or just go and be pleasantly surprised.
I saw Lou Myers (formerly of Different World, and a renowned star of stage and screen, this past Sunday in the performance of Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil).
There is also opportunity for interaction with the playwrights as well as the artists in a Q and A after the performance, so inspiring playwrights have an opportunity to do some meaningful brainpicking.
The productions will be held at the National Black Theatre (NBT) in Harlem, 2031 Fifth Avenue (bet. 125th &126th); and the Castillo Theatre (CT) in Midtown 543 W. 42nd St. (between 10th and 11th Aves.) So mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some of the finest in Black Theatre.
JUNE 4
Black Girl
By J. E. Franklin
Director: Passion
(CT)
JUNE 5
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide
Ntozake Shange
Director: Trezana Beverly
(CT)
Tod, The Boy Tod
By Tavin Wilks
Director: Tavin Wilks
(CT)
JUNE 6
Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil
By: Bill Harris
Director: Ed Smith
Guest Star Artist: Lou Myers
NBT
Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?
By: Adam P. Kennedy &
Adrienne Kennedy
Director: Imani
NBT
JUNE 7
Do Lord Remember Me
By: James deJongh
Director: Reggie Life
(NBT)
JUNE 11
Meetings
By: Mustapha Matura
Director: Seret Scott
CT
JUNE 12
Sty of the Blind Pig
By: Phillip Hayes Dean
Director: Patricia White
CT
JUNE 13
A Recent Killing
By: Amiri Baraka
Director: Hampton V. Clanton
CT
Ceremonies in Dark Old Men
By Lonnie Elder
Director Clinton Turner Davis
NBT
When Chickens Came Home to Roost
&
Zora
By: Laurence Holder
Director: Allie Woods
NBT
JUNE 14
Sherlock Holmes & The Hand of Othello
By: Alexander Simmons
Director: Eric Coleman
NBT
JUNE 18
What the Winesellers Buy
By: Ron Milner
Director: Justin Lord
CT
JUNE 19
Long Time Since Yesterday
By: P.J. Gibson
Director: Bette Howard
CT
Top Dog/UnderDog
By Suzan-Lori Parks
Director: Jamie Richards
CT
JUNE 20
The Amen Corner
By: James Baldwin
Director: Chuck Patterson
NBT
The Black Terror
By: Richard Wesley
Director: Nathan George
NBT
JUNE 21
No Place to Be Somebody
By: Charles Gordone
Director : Ajene D. Washington
NBT
JUNE 25
Wedding Band
By: Alice Childress
Director: Chuck Smith
CT
JUNE 26
Crumbs From The Table of Joy
By: Lynn Nottage
Director: Marjorie Moon
CT
Flyin’ West
By Pearle Cleage
Director: Lydia Fort
CT
JUNE 27
Boogie Woogie and Booker T
By Wesley Brown
Director: A. Dean Irby
NBT
In the Wine Time
By: Ed Bullins
Director: Mansoor Najee-Ullah
NBT
Tickets for performances are available at www.theatremania.com (866-811-4111) or at NBT 2031 Fifth Avenue. New Federal Theatre Members admitted Free by presenting their membership cards. For additional information call (212) 353-1176, or visit NFT’s webste: www.newfederaltheatre.org
Our arts are a reflection of our culture. There's nothing more eloquent. I strongly urge you to get out and support our artists - take your family and friends. We have much to be proud of.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
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