After I finished, refining my Single Ladies dance skills on Saturday, I headed over to NE DC to see a preview of a friend’s upcoming show FEMA’s 1603 at an event called 12×6. 12×6, sponsored by the Artists’ Bloc provides a venue where artists from all genres are provided the opportunity to present their developing work to their fellow artists and the public for peer review. The event held at the great space that is the Atlas Performing Arts Center located on historic H-Street featured:
1. FEMA’s 1603 by Giani Clarkson
Giani (a Katrina survivor) explores the effects of Hurricane Katrina via 10 different characters. During the full production of FEMA 1603 in January, the project will be raising funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Although, I went to college was Giani and recall seeing him on and around campus, this was my first glimpse of him in action. He’s extremely talented and has natural gift for embodying and giving voice on stage to a multitude of characters. The show premiers in January 2009 at Flashpoint DC. So get your tickets today!
2. Black and Kinky Among Brown Waves by Margaux Delotte-Bennet
Black and Kinky explores a young woman’s experience living & working in India for six months. Although, still in development I know this is a piece I’ll want to see. Aside from loving the title, I enjoy pieces that explore identity and place and one’s journey of experience coping with each.
3. The Race by John Milosich
This piece explores a young man’s thoughts and perceptions on Race and Racism. Milo’s performance will definitely be one to watch. Although for me the topic was not, his interpretation, physical performance was imaginatively different and will definitely engage and encourage a firestorm among those interested in the exploration of the topic of Race/Racism.
The audience watched about 10-15 minutes of each of the Pre-viewing pieces, had some quiet time for anonymous written feedback, and then, facilitated by an Artists’ Blocl rep, engaged in a lively dialogue with each Playwright/Performer. I took alot of way from this event and was able to learn from and see great talent on stage…comfortable and owning it…..what a great feeling that must be!
This was my second time visiting Atlas, the first was at a similar event sponsored by the African Continum Theater and included staged readings of up & coming plays with the feedback session from the audience…..hopefully, it won’t be my last.
