"My Harlem ‘Tis of Thee"
A documentary theatre piece about Harlem's gentrification. Hear some of the diverse voices of Harlem today as a transforming community comes face to face with their differences and their cultural identities are tested at a traditional block party, starring Jose Febus, Rhonda McLean-Nur, Ted Hannan, Tina Fabrique, John-Martin Green, Florencia Cuenca, Robin Baxter.
Featuring music by Nat Adderley, Jr. – Key board, musical director and composer Belden Bullock, upright bass Vincent Ecton, drums Jeffery V. Thompson. Directored by Dyane Harvey - Choreographer Bayo - Stage Manager
The piece explores the impact of gentrification and takes the political temperature of Harlem, one of many transforming villages on America’s vast landscape. Employing ethnographic documentary theatre method, using stories collected from residents living in the community, compiling historic episodes, reciting observations and creating still and moving photographic imagery, audiences will experience what happens when people of different races, classes, ethnic groups and countries abruptly find themselves living side by side as neighbors. In addition to giving
voice to contrasting perspectives on community, the piece hopes to encourage
dialogue and to foster creative solutions to the stressors brought about by perceived "differences."
As Harlem prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance,
this presentation takes on timely and historic significance as a documentation of
art, culture and race in America. Businesses, schools, cultural institutions, politicians, the people--new and long-time residents--are creating their particular stories, investigating and illuminating their imprint on a world-renowned community.
The entire world is looking at the gentrification of Harlem; those living and/or working here are anxious about the future and the fast moving influx of new residents – mostly white, middle and upper class residents with little or no
knowledge of the cultural and creative renaissance that gave birth to the present
day landscape.
The production examines the political impact of
gentrification in Harlem and exploring creative ways to articulate its findings and encourage common understanding across the community. BP has collected through interviews over a dozen personal narratives from a cross-section of people living and/or working in Harlem.
Through observation, public forums and focus groups, the piece has accumulated an additional collection of perspectives, reflections, and attitudes from numerous members of the community concerning their beliefs as to what Harlem is, what it should be, and what it is becoming. These reflect peoples'
feeling of a personal stake in the neighborhood, and a sense of entitlement (across all ethnic groups) that can be a source of tension and mistrust.
Employing several textual conceits, including: storytelling, narrative and spoken word, and with the incorporation of original music and movement, this presentation is an authentic illumination of the complexities of gentrification in Harlem. Through this form of investigation, this production has discovered many common
threads amongst opposing players. The piece hopes to identify the new voices that are emerging in Harlem while introducing a viable vehicle by which to tell this historically important and evolving story. The piece is written by Stephanie Berry, with composer Nat Adderley Jr. (who this year successfully collaborated on MARCH ON)
Read MoreFeaturing music by Nat Adderley, Jr. – Key board, musical director and composer Belden Bullock, upright bass Vincent Ecton, drums Jeffery V. Thompson. Directored by Dyane Harvey - Choreographer Bayo - Stage Manager
The piece explores the impact of gentrification and takes the political temperature of Harlem, one of many transforming villages on America’s vast landscape. Employing ethnographic documentary theatre method, using stories collected from residents living in the community, compiling historic episodes, reciting observations and creating still and moving photographic imagery, audiences will experience what happens when people of different races, classes, ethnic groups and countries abruptly find themselves living side by side as neighbors. In addition to giving
voice to contrasting perspectives on community, the piece hopes to encourage
dialogue and to foster creative solutions to the stressors brought about by perceived "differences."
As Harlem prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance,
this presentation takes on timely and historic significance as a documentation of
art, culture and race in America. Businesses, schools, cultural institutions, politicians, the people--new and long-time residents--are creating their particular stories, investigating and illuminating their imprint on a world-renowned community.
The entire world is looking at the gentrification of Harlem; those living and/or working here are anxious about the future and the fast moving influx of new residents – mostly white, middle and upper class residents with little or no
knowledge of the cultural and creative renaissance that gave birth to the present
day landscape.
The production examines the political impact of
gentrification in Harlem and exploring creative ways to articulate its findings and encourage common understanding across the community. BP has collected through interviews over a dozen personal narratives from a cross-section of people living and/or working in Harlem.
Through observation, public forums and focus groups, the piece has accumulated an additional collection of perspectives, reflections, and attitudes from numerous members of the community concerning their beliefs as to what Harlem is, what it should be, and what it is becoming. These reflect peoples'
feeling of a personal stake in the neighborhood, and a sense of entitlement (across all ethnic groups) that can be a source of tension and mistrust.
Employing several textual conceits, including: storytelling, narrative and spoken word, and with the incorporation of original music and movement, this presentation is an authentic illumination of the complexities of gentrification in Harlem. Through this form of investigation, this production has discovered many common
threads amongst opposing players. The piece hopes to identify the new voices that are emerging in Harlem while introducing a viable vehicle by which to tell this historically important and evolving story. The piece is written by Stephanie Berry, with composer Nat Adderley Jr. (who this year successfully collaborated on MARCH ON)
