Carol London, Sharisma Simmons, Candice MyerAlso Featuring: Larry Floyd, Mark Maples
THE PROMETHEUS' FIRE THEATER COMPANY
presents a dramatic concert reading of
"LAST DANCE OF THE PANTHER WOMEN"
The year 1974 was a tumultuous year for the Black Panther Party in the city of Oakland, California. The People's "Revolution" was severely faltering; hooked up on "life support" systems. Most of the leaders were either incarcerated, murdered or as was Huey Newton in exile with criminal charges hanging over their heads. Many of the Panther chapters were either at war with one another or just trading in their guns for real jobs. And to top it off, the "macho" Panthers were now being run by a woman, Elaine Brown. Some of the original members were deeply disillusioned with the failed politics and not ready for the end of the Revolution nor female leadership. Things were in great turmoil. But as Huey made his way to Cuba, Eldridge Cleaver was returning from his exile in Algeria. This play is about a Panther woman with a gun in her pocket and deadly grudge infused in her mind who travels to a dance being given in Eldridge's honor at Oakland's Merritt College; the place where the Party originated. She is convinced that she must assassinate one of the Cleavers so that a new Revolution can begin.
The year 1974 was a tumultuous year for the Black Panther Party in the city of Oakland, California. The People's "Revolution" was severely faltering; hooked up on "life support" systems. Most of the leaders were either incarcerated, murdered or as was Huey Newton in exile with criminal charges hanging over their heads. Many of the Panther chapters were either at war with one another or just trading in their guns for real jobs. And to top it off, the "macho" Panthers were now being run by a woman, Elaine Brown. Some of the original members were deeply disillusioned with the failed politics and not ready for the end of the Revolution nor female leadership. Things were in great turmoil. But as Huey made his way to Cuba, Eldridge Cleaver was returning from his exile in Algeria. This play is about a Panther woman with a gun in her pocket and deadly grudge infused in her mind who travels to a dance being given in Eldridge's honor at Oakland's Merritt College; the place where the Party originated. She is convinced that she must assassinate one of the Cleavers so that a new Revolution can begin.
Written by Jamal Williams
Directed by Ray Aranha
Sound Design by Billy Gagliano
Dates:
Saturday Evening, March 29; 7:30 PM
Sunday Matinee, March 30; 3:00 PM
Location:
Location:
Leonhardt Studio
Rich Forum 307 Atlantic Street
Stamford, CT 06901
Need directions? Visit Mapquest.
Admission: Adults - $20.00 Seniors (65 years & older) - $15.00 Young people (18 years & younger) - $15.00 Group Sales Available Major Credit Cards Accepted Reservations: For information and reservations, visit our tickets page and click on the appropriate links Or phone us at: 203-561-5024.
Need directions? Visit Mapquest.
Admission: Adults - $20.00 Seniors (65 years & older) - $15.00 Young people (18 years & younger) - $15.00 Group Sales Available Major Credit Cards Accepted Reservations: For information and reservations, visit our tickets page and click on the appropriate links Or phone us at: 203-561-5024.
AAPEX ADDENDUM: Most playwrights have difficulty in getting their works produced. But Mr. Williams' experiences are even more frustrating because of the play's political sensitivity. "Even had a theater in San Francisco accept it into a play festival," he says. "Had it cast and were in final rehearsal when the actors and director got cold feet and were frightened because they didn't understand my point-of-view. I kind of was surprised, but having a play canceled because of 'fear' was quite a feather in my artist's hat, so to say." The Stamford show will be the play's East Coast Premiere.
Good luck with the show, Jamal. It sounds great!
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