Huntington Public Library “The Plays of August Wilson: Views of 20th Century Black America”

Venue Name:   Huntington Public Library

Address:   338 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743

Title: The Plays of August Wilson: Views of 20th Century Black America

Date: Friday, January 19, 2018      

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost:  Free

Description: August Wilson set himself an extraordinary goal: to create a series of plays, one for each decade of the twentieth century, in which he “explores the hope, heartbreak and heritage of the African-American experience in America.” Wilson’s plays have won a Tony Award and two Pulitzer Prizes, and have been a regular feature of recent Broadway seasons: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (1984), Fences (1987), Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (1988), The Piano Lesson (1990), Two Trains Running (1992), and Seven Guitars (1996). While Wilson addresses specifically black issues, and speaks powerfully to black Americans, his work regularly attracts and seems to resonate with a remarkably diverse audience. This lecture offers an overview of Wilson’s work, examines the collaborative process between playwright and director, and explores the vitality of America’s regional theatres in the development of new American drama. Includes readings and a brief video excerpt. Open to all. To register, call 631-427-5165.

Venue Name:   Huntington Public Library

Address:   338 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743

Title: Cotton: An Interactive, Musical Presentation Honoring the African American Slave

Date: Saturday, February 17, 2018      

Time: 2:00 PM

Cost:  Free

Description: This interactive, musical presentation remembers and honors the plight of the African American slave through Spirituals, interspersed with classic Slave Narratives. Visuals include historic photos by photographer, Gordon Parks.  Presenter Tanisha Mitchell, designated a “Mover and Shaker” by Library Journal, is most known for her innovative curating and archival expertise in the Metropolitan Opera Music library. As a singer, Ms. Mitchell has trained with world renowned opera singers and enjoys performing to spread community awareness of great music. Open to all. To register, call 631-427-5165.