Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to present staged reading of ‘The Colored Museum’ by George C. Wolfe
Staged readings to take place internationally as part of Project1VOICE effort on June 19 and 20
SARASOTA, FL – On June 20, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) will take part in Project1VOICE/1PLAY/1DAY, an international effort presented in association with more than 40 theater companies, museums and other diverse institutions to celebrate African American theatre. This year, Project1VOICE will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “The Colored Museum,” written by two-time Tony Award-winning theatrical powerhouse George C. Wolfe, with staged readings.
Artists performing in the staged reading of “The Colored Museum” at WBTT include Ariel Blue, Arnette German, Cindy De La Cruz, Joey James and Travis Ray. Director is Harry Bryce.
Project1VOICE/1PLAY/1DAY – now in its 6th year – is an international, same-day, staged reading series that revives and reintroduces neglected, forgotten and/or underappreciated seminal works by black playwrights for the American theatre. The series also celebrates and honors the black global experience through partnerships that reflect the historical roots of each participating city. Project1VOICE, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts service organization based in New York City whose mission is to promote and support black theater, including black playwrights.
As part of this effort, 11 museum exhibits will be used to explore the contradictions and complexities of black life: its powerful beauty, intellect, pain, and pleasure. This year’s theme is “Identity in the 21st century.
“When we learned of Project1VOICE, we knew that this was an endeavor that WBTT should participate in,” said WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. “Not only is George C. Wolfe an American theatre treasure, this particular work explores themes that we, too, address in programs and productions at WBTT. Our mission is to promote and celebrate the African-American experience and, through efforts such as Project1VOICE/1PLAY/1DAY, we can become part of something bigger than ourselves and help explore and empower black identity.”
The staged reading of The Colored Museum takes place on Monday, June 20, 8 p.m. at the WBTT theater (1646 10th Way, Sarasota). Tickets are $15. Call the Box Office (941-366-1505) or go to westcoastblacktheatre.org.
About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:
The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission is to produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, attract diverse audiences, while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.
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