Director Jennifer L. Nelson recalled past productions.
“I directed this play two years ago, and I felt it was time for me to bring this play back,” said Nelson.
The production was put on at the company’s African Continuum Theatre on March 24 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center to raise funds for upcoming performances.
Jewell Robinson shined as a girl eager to become a woman.
“It’s easier being an adult. Nobody tells you what to do, and people don’t pick on you.” her character replied.
Hosted by NBC 4 news anchor Jim Vance, the audience was among the elite of Washington, D.C.
Sweet Honey and the Rock vocalist and
composer Ysaye M. Barnwell and D.C. Chamber
of Commerce President and CEO Barbara Lang recite lines from “Mixed Babies” at a fundraising event for the African Continuum Theatre on H Street NE.
Phenomenal Women Look to Revive Black Theatre
By Odell B. Ruffin
WI Contributing Writer
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Prominent women entered the stage singing an old African spiritual song. Each delicately took their place for a special reading of “Mixed Babies” by Oni Faida Lampley. Acting as teenage girls, the women reenacted topics like race, sex and spirituality and proceeded to recreate their own coming-of-age ritual mixed with their imagination.
“We need to donate to keep this art form going. I had the best three months of my life participating in a play that was put on by a company similar to this one,” said Vance.
Now in the 12th season, the African Continuum Theatre serves as Washington’s only professional Black Theatre company. Featuring artists included vocalist Ysaye M. Barnwell, WUSA News Anchor JC Haywood, D.C. Chamber of Commerce President Barbara Lang, actress Robinson and Washington Informer publisher Denise Rolark-Barnes.
“The elegant and classy women were able to laugh.
I think it was good to see them touch on issues, especially after Sen. [Barack] Obama’s speech on race,” said Cisco Manager Ivan Fitzgerald.
Though they started the night off as girls, by daybreak, they were clearly a step closer to womanhood.
“I loved seeing those recognized women transform to girls. It seemed like they had a lot of fun,” said audience member Jasmin D. Johnson.
The play originally made its New York premiere at the Manhattan Class Company in 1992.
“It was refreshing to see a new style of theatre on display in our area,” said Thomas Stevens.
All proceeds will benefit future productions and programming at the theater.
Odell Ruffin can be reached at urbanman12@yahoo.com.