We are excited to present four free virtual events this February as part of “We Rise: MKE’s Celebration of Black History Month.” The celebration will honor the tremendous contributions that African American artists, administrators, and audiences have made to Milwaukee Rep and the City of Milwaukee. Events will take place on Monday nights at 7pm CT via Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
To Be Young, Gifted and Black: A Celebration of Lorraine Hansberry
Monday, February 1, 7pm CT
The night will feature an original poem performed by Wisconsin’s poet laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton; interviews with icon in African American film, television and theater Phyllis Yvonne Stickney and Tony and Grammy Nominee Valisia LeKae who played Lorraine Hansberry in the Off-Broadway production of Sweet Lorraine; and a reunion of the artists from Milwaukee Rep’s 2012/13 Season production of A Raisin in the Sun including Mildred Marie Langford, Greta Oglesby and Director Ron OJ Parson.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Monday, February 8, 7pm CT
Hear from African American artists, past and present at Milwaukee Rep who are onstage and behind-the-scenes showcasing the many roles that create art in Milwaukee. The evening features Natrea Blake (Assistant Choreographer The Color Purple), Costume Designer Kara Harmon (Eclipsed and our upcoming production of Toni Stone), Stage Manager Tara Kelly (West Side Story), actor and hair/wig designer Nikiya Mathis (The Mountaintop) and Milwaukee Rep staff members including Chief Diversity Officer Tammy Belton-Davis, Associate Director of Engagement N’Jameh Camara, Associate Artistic Producer, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj and Educator Hope Parow. This event will be emceed by 88Nine’s Tarik Moody.
It Takes A Village
Monday, February 15, 7pm CT
Join us for a town hall with members of the Milwaukee Black Theater Community to showcase their work and discuss the plethora of contributions African American artists and administrators have made over the years in Milwaukee. Featuring La’Ketta Caldwell from LUMIN Schools; DiMonte Henning founder of Lights! Camera! Soul! and Milwaukee Rep EPR alum; Chiké Johnson actor and founder of Cheeks Films; Dr. Donte McFadden of Milwaukee Film Fest Black Lens, Sheri Williams Pannell Producing Artistic Director of Bronzeville Arts Ensemble and Malkia Stampley actor, director and co-founder of Milwaukee Black Theater Festival.
It Takes A Village event sponsored by: Sam’s Place
The Ground on Which I Stand
Monday, February 22, 7pm CT
The evening honors the prolific life and legacy of August Wilson in the American Theater. Keynote speaker Ebony Jo-Ann will kick things off detailing her personal and professional relationship in collaboration with Mr. Wilson over her 40+ year career in the entertainment industry. Presentations from past and current August Wilson Monologue Competition participants will then take center stage followed by a discussion on the Women of August Wilson and the power of his characters with panelists including actors Sadé Ayodele, Ebony Jo-Ann, Greta Oglesby and Malkia Stampley.
Hope that I’ll ‘see’ all of you there!