Rites and Reason Production : June's Blood : Feb,10-12.

RITES AND REASON PRODUCTION: FEBRUARY 10-12
JUNE’S BLOOD

by Jenna Spencer, directed by Constance Crawford

Fri. 2/10 @ 5pm – Sat. 2/11 @ 2pm – Sun. 2/12 @ 7pm

Rites & Reason, 155 Angell St.

June’s Blood is about three generations of African American women in Macon County, Alabama, living with the effects of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments on their family life, convictions, and sense of self and place. A story about the generational inheritance of inequality, June’s Blood seeks to identify the ways in which historical injustices have a way of
leaving their mark and thus shaping contemporary realities.


Jenna Spencer is a sophomore at Brown University from Cambridge, MA. This past semester she took Professor Elmo Terry-Morgan’s RPM playwriting course, which resulted in the writing of June’s Blood, a play that builds upon her longstanding
interest and commitment to social justice. In 2010 she was awarded the Princeton Prize in Race Relations. While she has been performing as an actress since the age of six, it was in high school that her interest for playwriting was sparked. During this time she wrote a ten-minute play chosen to be performed at the Massachusetts Young Playwrights Festival.

sorry, to provide such short notice... I might try to go tomorrow...

Listen to Mamie "Peanut" Johnson...

Everyone has stories to tell, but not everyone can tell them with the detail and joy that these videos offer.

And, I credit the interviewer with making this look easy....

Rites & Reason offered a one woman show performed by Melodie Thompson, directed by Marsha Z. West about Mamie Johnson. How did I miss it?

And, if there's family in Connecticut, then she fits my definition of neighbor....

Sweet Marsha Z. West ! Look What I Found !

Thinking about Marsha Z. West, and imagining listening to her thoughts on The Help and on the greater world of Theater and Love and Many things,

I found this amazing site, African Amerhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifican Playwrights Exchange

I don't have the time now to check out all the links on the side, but I see Rites and Reason, of course, and I recognize some of the names.

And it is a treat and a joy to see many names that are new to me....

I don't doubt for a second that if I searched, I would find Marsha's name in an earlier post, and that she probably knew artists involved with almost all of those theaters and websites. She was "Mama" to many !

I am so grateful to have witnessed her on the stage and to have been directed by her.

As Marsha, wrote in her notes: "Smooches" . . .

What would Rhett S. Jones say ?

Rhett S. Jones was first my professor and later, a mentor and friend, and I miss him.

His birthday was yesterday, and the date of his death was July 30, 2008.

He was a scholar and always thoughtful of the context of events, always curious, always questioning.

Our conversations were as often about local politics and history as about global ones.

Sometimes I shared my disillusionment with him, and he respectfully and firmly gave me a perspective. He helped me find humor too. He was unfailingly kind and patient and when my son (going back several years now) would abruptly wake (sometimes noisily) from a nap, he never chastised me for the interruptions. . .

I don't know what Rhett would say about this economy or about what is happening in England now or about the football collective bargaining agreement.

We can watch and listen to a clip of him grading the United States' character on the topic of racism thanks to this video.

When I watched the video above ( I hope that link works !), it ended abruptly... There is another one recorded by the same journalist which I have not yet seen.

I think I shared this document once before,
but here is a little biography and photo of Rhett...

Ramses contra los monstruos: salmos y apocalipsises or New from Rites and Reason Theater

Well, the first reading was yesterday, but there will be more !

Ramses y los monstruos: salmos y apocalipsises

Time
Monday, February 7 at 9:00pm - February 11 at 4:00pm
Location Rites and Reason /&/ List Art Center @ Brown University
Created By
Victor I. Cazares
More Info
Ramses contra los monstruos: salmos y apocalipsises (bailes, canciones y visiones para el fin del mundo)

A Staged Reading
Performed in English and with English supertitles.

...written by: Victor I. Cazares
directed by: Ryan Purcell

1st Reading: Feb. 7th, 9pm @ Rites and Reason
2nd Reading: Feb 11th, 4pm @ List Art Center (64 College St.)

Get your tickets here:

http://pw.brown.edu/blueroom/

SYNOPSIS:

It had been a long night in his clandestine laboratory.
Ramses el pozolero (stewmaker) had spent hours making and remaking the same recipe he'd made a million times before--but without the desired results.
The same recipe of his ancestral acid stewmakers.
He needed it for six bodies.
He needed it to dissolve them.
But in this cursed hour, the damned pozole instead of dissolving bodies, remade them.

Cast:
Tito/Titus- Grant Chapman
Ramses- Charlie Thurston
Lydia la Lavandera- Barrie Kreinik
Padrecito Ernesto Alonso- Lovell Holder
Viri (Viridiana)- Lauren Lubow
Chema- Liz Morgan
La Yuri- Leicester Landon
Stage Directions- Kevaughn Harvey

:::part of the Writing is Live festival, a presentation of new works featuring nine plays by writers in Brown’s graduate theatre programs:::

Happy Birthday, Langston Hughes !

I am impressed by the detail of the wikipedia entry on Langston Hughes.

In the Further Reading section, there is a link to a "stub" about the Langston Hughes Society which was founded, of course, by George Houston Bass who with Rhett S. Jones, founded my beloved Rites And Reason Theatre.

If you are in or near New York City, and I understand the Snow and Sleet, etc, are not that bad there at the moment, there is a Long Community Langston Hughes Reading today at The Schomburg Center.

Come one, come all to this non-stop, five-hour community read-in honoring the poet laureate of Harlem, Langston Hughes on his birthday! Groups and individuals are invited to sign-up to read selections from Langston’s works in the Schomburg’s atrium that bears his name.

Contact schomburged@nypl.org or (212) 491-2234.

I recommend visiting the websites for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture ... which is part of The New York Public Library ....

This blogger loves libraries.

Rhode Islanders will celebrate Langston Hughes this Sunday thanks to Isis Storm and RISD, starting at 1:00 P.M.

If the snow, sleet and rain continue, I hope there is consideration for rescheduling, however.


Why is George Houston Bass' name not mentioned in the History of the Langston Hughes Society ?


"Let the rain kiss you.
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.
Let the rain sing you a lullaby."

~~ Langston Hughes

Congratulations Clarice & Elmo & Marsha Z. West : 22 Years Ago

This week I have been feeling the spirit of Marsha Z. West and recalling her vivid performance in George Wolfe's The Colored Museum at The Providence Black Repertory Theater four years ago. Every moment of that production was transforming.

Only a trip to the hospital ( son's appendicitis ) prevented us from seeing the last night of that run which was the week before Thanksgiving...

I did one of my little searches for Marsha on the internet , and found a New York Times Article from 1988

If that link works, you'll find that Marsha and Clarice Laverne Thompson and Elmo Terry-Morgan all won Audelco Awards.

Surely George Houston Bass and Rhett S. Jones won Audelco Awards for their founding of Rites And Reason Theatre, and I will someday track that down. Rites and Reason was one of the best things at Brown when I was there.

As an undergraduate, I was simply in awe of these folks, and now meeting them and having been directed and instructed by them, my respect only grows. One day Ethan and I were leaving a PC Basketball game, and he spotted Elmo. It was such a sweet moment.

Happy Birthday, Elmo ! Ok, this is about 9 days late, but birthdays can be extended. Extended Family, Extended Birthday, Peace and Love.

Clarice's birthday is not that far off . . . so Early Happy Birthday to you, And Love to Everyone....

As Marsha said: "Smooches".

It's Valerie Tutson's Birthday! (January 29)

Happy Birthday, Valerie!

Rhode Islanders reading this blog will probably know who Valerie Tutson is.
And Valerie is known nationally and internationally as well...

Here is an excerpt from the biography on her site:

Valerie Tutson was graduated from Brown University with a Masters Degree in
Theatre Arts and a degree in a self-designed major—Storytelling As A
Communications Art. Valerie has been telling stories in schools, churches, libraries,
festivals and conferences since 1991. She draws her stories from around the world
with an emphasis on African traditions. Her repertoire includes stories and songs she
learned in her travels to South Africa, her experiences in West Africa, stories from
African American history. In addition, she is gaining quite a reputation for her
exciting retelling of age-old Bible stories. She not only delights listeners with her
tale-telling, she also teaches workshops and classes to students of all ages, and
hosts CULTURAL TAPESTRY, an award-winning show for COX 3 celebrating the
diverse cultures around us. Valerie has most recently served as the co Director of the
National Black Storytelling Festival in Providence, RI

Her website is:
http://www.valerietutson.com/

And if you use facebook, you can follow it on NetworkedBlogs.

I cannot even remember when I first saw Valerie perform at Rites & Reason Theatre...but she was phenomenal.

We know that Valerie hails from Connecticut, but We Claim Valerie as a Rhode Islander, thank you very much.

Wherever you are, Valerie, I hope that you have a Joyful day and know how Grateful we are for your many Gifts.

Somewhere Marsha Z. West smiles.

Elmo Terry-Morgan To Receive Award From National Black Theatre

The brilliant and kind Elmo Terry-Morgan will be receiving an award tomorrow from The National Black Theatre

Here is his own brief description:

I will be in Harlem, NY on Thursday, 12/1709, at the National Black Theatre to receive a Dr. Barbara Ann Teer Spirit Award for being "a visionary and catalyst for artistic development". I am humbled by the sentiment and recognition. This particular award, among 3, is named after Tunde Samuel, my brother-friend and producer who made his transition in August of 2001. PS: I feel Marsha West's presence.

For years I admired Elmo from a distance, but have been graced with chances to work with him at Rites and Reason in the last few years.

En horabuena, Elmo!

Rawditons at Rites and Reason Theatre

Department of Africana Studies’
RITES AND REASON THEATRE
Brown University

Auditions for OUR HANDS ARE SORE FROM PRAYING
By Janine Heath, ‘10 (A Research-to-Performance Method Play about the Fight for the Soul and Future of Jamaica)

SEEKING: ACTORS – DANCERS – MUSICIANS
STAGE MANAGERS - CREW

THURSDAY, 12/10/09, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Rehearsals begin Thursday, 01/28/09
Performances, Thursday-Sunday, 02/25/10 – 02/28/10

CHURCHILL HOUSE
155 ANGELL STREET
BROWN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
401-863-3558

NO PREPARATION OR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
WE WILL READ FROM THE SCRIPT

If you are interested and can't make it please email Janine_Heath@brown.edu
Back to Messages Edit Subscriptions

Rites And Reason: Black Lavender, April 2- 5, '09

I can see George Houston Bass, Rhett Jones and Marsha Z. smiling somewhere.

This looks wonderful.

Climbing Out of Nazism, There and Here...

This little article moves me greatly. When I reflect on the power of different speakers/teachers/nurturers in my life, I just dissolve into a tearful puddle. In the midst of all the anger and destruction, I can't hear too many of these stories.

Here's the post with link to the Ohio story and a book review...

Last night, at Rites and Reason, we shared our rehearsal with an audience including several academics, a rabbi or two, members of the Muslim community, and more. The conversation afterwards surprised me.

Three cheers for Noam Dorr and Everyone associated with this production.

Resistance and Recovery: Rhode Island Learns from Chicago Workers

I will be unable to attend (rehearsal for Gever/Shabab @ Rites and Reason)but am very happy to know this event is taking place.


Resistance & Recovery
Friday, February 6 at 5:30 pm
Open Table of Christ Church, 1520 Broad Street, Providence

Event is free, but please consider making a donation to the Republic Windows Workers.

Hear UE Sit-Down Strikers from Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago talk about their victory. Join us to discuss how we can fight together for an economy that puts people first.

Republic Windows gave workers only 3 days notice that their jobs were vanishing, along with earned vacation and health benefits.

These workers chose to resist.

For six days and nights, they occupied their plant, sparking nationwide support rallies, leading to a settlement and a plan to reopen their plant, making eco-friendly windows.

This fight is just the beginning.


Join the fight as Jobs with Jutice allies discuss how we can take direct action here in Rhode Island to resist, fight for recovery that puts workers before wall street and keeps people in their homes.

RSVP On Facebook or e-mail RIJobswithJustice@gmail.com

Resistencia y Recuperación

Viernes, El 6 de febrero a las 5:30 PM
En la iglesia Open Table of Christ
1520 Broad Street, Providence


Venga a escuchar de los trabajadores de la compañía “Republic Windows & Doors” de Chicago sobre la victoria de su huelga. Hablaremos de cómo unirnos para salir de la crisis económica.

La compañía les informó a sus empleados con sólo tres días de anticipación que sus trabajos se iban a desaparecer, juntos con las vacaciones acumuladas y otros beneficios que habían ganado.

Los trabajadores decidieron resistir.

260 trabajadores de Republic Windows & Doors tomaron su lugar de trabajo y lo ocuparon durante 6 días. Inspiraron protestas por toda la nación y lograron que la planta se abrirá nuevamente.


La lucha está apenas comenzando

Mientras la crisis económica se hace más profunda, millones de gente afronta la pérdida del trabajo o de la casa. Participe con nosotros celebrando la resistencia de Republic Windows y exigiendo una recuperación económica que ponga al pueblo primero.

Rites And Reason Theatre Seeks Musicians and Save These Dates!

CONTACT: Clarice_Thompson@brown.edu

MUSICIANS WANTED FOR

Strings
Guitars
Keyboards
Wind instruments
Percussions

RITES & REASON THEATRE

Gever/Shabab
Shadows of Israel-Palestine

by Noam Dorr, ‘09, RUE
Director, Elmo Terry-Morgan
Music Director, Clarice LaVerne Thompson, PhD.
Choreographer: Meida McNeal
Associate Director: Connie Crawford

Performance Dates:
February 19-22
February 26-March 1, 2009
Thursday, Friday, Saturday performances at 7 PM
Sunday performances at 3 PM with Folkthought

Yes, I am going to be in this play and Ethan is working Tech...
as we get closer to the dates above, I expect to be less available for blogging...

Services for Mother of Alonzo Jones, Technical Director of Rites And Reason Theatre

Funeral services for the beloved


Mrs. Iona Ragland

Saturday, December 20th, 2008
9:00am – Viewing 10:00am– Services

Mount Hope Community Baptist Church
734 Hope Street and Rochambeau
Providence, RI 02906

Interment immediately following services:
Riverside Cemetery
752 Pleasant Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860

Repast following interment:
Rites and Reason Theatre
Brown University
155 Angell Street
Providence, RI 02912

Rites And Reasons' RAWDITIONS Dec.7 and 8.

RAWDITION ANNOUNCEMENT

ACTORS – STAGE MANAGERS – SET CREW TECHNICAL CREW – COSTUME CREW

THE DEPARTMENT OF AFRICANA STUDIES'
RITES AND REASON THEATRE
(The place where you are free to be who you are becoming)

IS HOLDING AUDITIONS FOR

GEVER/SHABAB
by Noam Dorr, RUE '09

GEVER/SHABAB is an intimate look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of two men, It is a story of captivity and freedom, choices and inevitabilities, examining what happens when you can't help but become close to your enemy, and the overwhelming forces that try to keep you apart.

Director: Professor Elmo Terry-Morgan
Movement Director: Meida McNeal

SUNDAY, 12/7/08, 3:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. at Rites and Reason Theatre
MONDAY, 12/8/08, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 PM. at Leeds Theatre

PERFORMANCE DATES: THURSDAY-SUNDAY, 2/19-22/2009 & THURSDAY-SUNDAY, 2/26-3/01/2009

NO PREPARATION NECESSARY. WE WILL READ SCENES FROM THE SCRIPT.

"Our Research Creates New Art."

Rowena R. Stewart's Letter to Rhett Jones

Rhett,

I am so sorry I can not be here tonight for you. But in
all honesty, I
doubt if you would have wanted to attend any such event
yourself - being as
anti-sociable as you were. Parties were your least
favorite thing to do and George's
parties were what you dreaded most! I can hear you
now, protesting
attending. I also recall that three people, myself, Rowena
Stewart, George Bass,
and you, Rhett Jones, the most visionary, started out
wanting to make sure
that citizens understood the contributions of those
Africans who arrived on the
shores of this nation, first as free blacks and later as
enslaved laborers
and craftsman. We wanted all people to know and understand
the significance of
what Africans and African Americans contributed to the
development of the
nation. Each of us in our own unique way made lasting
contributions to the
academy. I am particularly aware of four of your major
contributions
1) You initiated the research and scholarship of African
American history in
the region, forming the New England Coalition of Scholars
to assist the
museum in interpreting
African American history. You exposed an incredible array
of scholars to the
Rhode Island Black Heritage Society including Robert
Cottrell, J. Coultry,
Moses Wilson, Alice
Myrtle Glascoe, Gary Puckrin, and Jim Deetz. Your
outstanding scholarship
shone in the exhibits like the award winning Creative
Survival exhibition.
2) You began a network of scholars that you encouraged to
become involved in
the African American Museum movement. I think the world
needs to know that
the organization was formed right here, at Brown
University in Churchill house
in September of 1978.
3) You began the research for performance technique. Under
your guidance
Rights and Reasons Theater used scholars research as the
basis for the creation
plays by famous playwrights like P. J. Gibson. These
plays based on the
scholarly research brought ordinary people into the
theater, thirsty to learn
their own communities history, leaving satisfied after
attending these
gratifying and historically accurate productions. You
helped scholars and museum
people understanding that through theatre we
could use history and bring it to people who would
otherwise be unaware of
this important history and uninterested in theater.
I am thinking of history based theatrical productions such
as Providence
Garden Blues (Providence citizens surviving segregation in
a northern city) and
Free to Die (black solders in the revolutionary war)
4) You, perhaps as your most lasting contribution, helped
African American
Museums
directors to understand that they should not fear research
by non-African
Americans in the field of History and to understand that
it made our cause
more solid.

Rhett, I must chuckle picturing you here with us. But
alas, you must
attend the biggest social event of your life, joining
George and your beloved wife
at the event we will shall all eventually attend. On the
we attend that
event of our lifetimes, each of us will be recognized for
the accomplishments we
have left behind. This night we humbly do attempt to let
the world know
what a forward thinking warrior in the fight for the
recognition of the
accomplishments of the people of African descent in this
nation you truly were.

Sincerely,
Rowena R. Stewart

Thank you, Dear Rowena Stewart for this tremendous, wonderful letter.

Honoring Rhett S. Jone: Nov. 1. 2008 -- Details!

Thanks to the facebook group, Rites & Reason Theatre,
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=9954814611 I can provide more information:

Please Come Together to Honor

Professor Rhett S. Jones

on

Saturday, November 1st, 2008

Opening Ceremony
Manning Chapel - 11:00 am

Buffet Lunch
Faunce House - 12 Noon

Forum
“Dreams and Nightmares: Reflections on Leadership”
Rites and Reason Theatre - 1:15 pm

Inman Page Induction Ceremony and Reception
Rites and Reason Theatre - 2:30 pm
Reception - Lower Level Churchill House


Details or Clarifications?
Please contact the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life - 401.863.2344


Africana Studies/Rites & Reason Theatre, the Chaplains and Religious Life,
the Multicultural Program Committee and Inman Page Alumni Council, collaborating

Rhett Jones' Memorial: November 1, 2008

My understanding is that there will be a lengthy memorial for Rhett this coming Saturday. It will begin at Manning Chapel at Brown at 11:00 a.m., according to the person I spoke with at Africana Studies.

http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Africana_Studies/

" Justice Must Not Only Be Done, But Must Be Seen To Be Done "

"the forgetting machine" a Rites And Reason Theatre production