Cast of “Baltimore” to perform at national festival
The Department of Theatre Arts African American Theatre Program was selected to perform the production “Baltimore,” performed by the AATP this spring (Feb 3-6th and 9th-12) at UofL, this summer at the 2017 National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina.
“The National Black Theatre Festival is the largest, most important venue for black theatre in the United States,” said Prof. Nefertiti Burton, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts and director of “Baltimore.” “Our students will perform before audiences that include professional actors, directors, designers, theatre educators, agents, recruiters, and the general public. It’s a terrific way to get our students and our program in the spotlight, in addition to great visibility for the African American Theatre Program.
The African American Theatre Program has previously performed the plays “Mr. Bluesman” (1997), "Monsieur Baptiste, the Con Man" (1999), “Steal Away” (2005), and “The Orphan’s Revenge” (2011) at the festival.
“Baltimore,” written by Boston playwright Kirsten Greenidge, centers on a racial incident that occurs in a New England college residence hall. The incident – a student draws a racist caricature on the door of an African-American student’s room – brings out an array of different beliefs in the student’s affected and living in the residence hall. The play provides social commentary on the very relevant issues surrounding race, identity, sexual orientation, and gender. The play also documents how difficult discussions of race and identity can be.
“It’s a terrific ensemble show with a very racially diverse cast and excellent performances by all,” Burton said.
