| ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – “Black and Blue,” an original play by Gitana Productions exploring the complex relationship between the African American community and the police, opens Friday, May 22, 23 and 24 at the Missouri History Museum.
The play also will be presented over a four-week run at the Kranzberg Art Center, May 29-31 (“sold out”); Greater St. Mark Family Church on June 7; and St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, June 19-21. Admission is free to eliminate cost barriers and bring this important message to as many people as possible, according to Gitana Executive Director Cecilia Nadal. Tickets are limited and reservations are required at all locations except the Missouri History Museum, where admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made online at www.gitana-inc.org, by calling (314) 721-6556 or emailing [email protected]. Written by Lee Patton Chiles with music produced by TBeats Entertainment, “Black and Blue” encourages cross-cultural understanding and healing in light of the Michael Brown shooting and susequent events in Ferguson. “The events in Ferguson and across the country ruptured widespread denial about the state of race relations and equal justice under the law in our country,” said Nadal. “This play peels back the presumption of guilt on both sides of the issue so that we can begin the healing process.” Each performance will be followed by a Q & A and panel discussion by local community leaders. Cast members also will be onstage to answer questions. PANELISTS
Opening weekend at the Missouri History Museum
Friday, May 22 Saturday, May 23 Sunday, May 24 When Cecilia Nadal first heard about Michael Brown’s shooting death last August, she raced to Ferguson to participate in the protests and try to make sense of what had happened. “As soon as Michael Brown was shot and the protests began, I knew I needed to be there," said Nadal. “I was on the protest line for 10 days and made a point of talking with people of different nationalities and races. I was looking for something.” What she found were people’s unique stories. She worked with playwright Lee Patton Chiles to weave those stories into a performance about the historical tension between African-American communities and law enforcement, presenting both viewpoints. Chiles based “Black and Blue” on a compilation of interviews with police officers and members of the African American community. Performers include professional actors as well as people from the community. Guest recording artist Dyce will perform his debut single WALK WITH U.S. The full lineup of actors is at www.gitana-inc.org/stage. ACTORS • LA Williams – a TV and film actor whose credits include the 20th Century Fox film “Gone Girl.” • Valeri Felix – a 12-year-old student, singer, dancer and cellist and Ferguson activist committed to fighting for change in her community. • Guest recording artist Dyce will perform his debut single “WALK WITH U.S.” Music for the play was produced by TBeats Entertainment, a music recording and production company owned by Anthony (Tony) Thompson, the CEO of Kwame Building Group and a noted African American community leader. Most of the music was written, recorded and contributed by Thompson and TBeats Studio recording artists, with lyrics by Lee Patton Chiles. TBeats Studios www.tbeatsstudio.com is a quality recording facility in downtown St. Louis, providing a range of training and artist support services to help musicians create, learn, and progress in their careers. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Kranzberg Arts Center Greater St. Mark Family Church St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley After June 30, Gitana Productions will offer the play to other organizations and groups in the community. Call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556. “This play is inspired by Ferguson and starts there, but it is not intended to be only about Ferguson,” said Nadal. The Regional Arts Commission, Missouri Arts Council and Arts and Education Council have provided funding to support Gitana Productions events. ABOUT GITANA PRODUCTIONS Events produced by Gitana present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting both traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556. # # #
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Source: Gitana – News