Reflections on Season 2009-2010:
Plays Written by African American Male Playwrights
Directed by African American Female Directors
by Kemati J. Porter, Producing Director
eta Creative Arts Foundation
In this period of economic downturn, institutions are challenged to program with a renewed fiscal responsibility, passion and a creativity that balances these effects yet cedes nothing to stagnation. Eta’s institutional vision, interpretation of mission, dreams for the community and artists we serve not only determine our destiny and visibility, but importantly, the dimension of the cultural footprint we leave for the future. The 39th season of plays by African American male playwrights interpreted through the lens of African American women directors is a big-toe in that footprint.
This season is a gender conversation as well as a provocation to the field of theatre. The conversation is part of our continuum: a dialogue of scats, chants, tender whispers, rants, gestures, hallelujahs, loud debates, verbal arrows, signifying, pontification and joyous celebrations specific to how we communicate. The provocation stems from the marginalization of African American artists, particularly women. They experience a dearth of opportunities to tell our story (as griots) or create the vision for the work (as directors).
eta has seized the opportunity in this 39th season to address that lack of artistic leadership by giving women the director’s chair for every play. We have created a playground where women can do “serious work.” Right now, that work is focused on the stories African American male writers want to tell. The conversations have begun. Already we have witnessed the delicate dance and balance in dynamic exchanges of ideas and artistic choices between director Cheryl Lynn Bruce and Daniel Beatty in Resurrection, and fruitful conversations of this manner will continue through the remainder of the season. Opening December 3 is Gus Edward’s A Fool Such as I directed by Kamesha Kahn. I will stage Fathers and Sons by Michael Bradford, which will open February 11. Artisia Green will direct Thomas Meloncon’s The Man Who Saved New Orleans to open April 22, and the season will conclude with a July 1 opening of Herbert III and Contributions, two one-act plays by Ted Shine directed by Phyllis Griffin.
Witness, and then go spread the word. We talkin’ to each other, about us, for the benefit of us.
eta Creative Arts Foundation7558 So. South Chicago AvenueChicago, IL 60619(773) 752-3955. http://www.etacreativearts.org/
