Little Black Afro Theatre’s (LBA) Emerging Artist Project will feature Phillip Turkiewicz’s I Was Once on Fire and a staged reading of Alomar Kocur’s Jared’s Story at the Storefront Theatre this April.
The innovative new Toronto-based theatre company committed to giving voice to young, emerging theatre artists while giving back to the community, will show the new work from April 20 to 26. Ten per cent of the proceeds will benefit Toronto Youth Development. The show will take place at the StoreFront Theatre, 955 Bloor St. W., Toronto.
LBA’s Emerging Artist Project is a unique initiative that offers young artists the opportunity to produce their work. Through this experience, the company is creating a community of socially-conscious theatre makers. By hiring local actors, designers and dramaturgs, the company has fostered the dreams of many young, local theatre artists who would not otherwise be heard.
The mainly York University students running LBA has produced seven shows in Mississauga, Hamilton and Toronto, while still completing their undergraduate degrees. In these communities, they have volunteered with the Mad Student Society, helping them with Hamilton’s first Mad Pride event. Funds were donated to the Mental Health Rights Coalition of Hamilton, the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish, Hamilton Youth Poetry Slam, SKETCH and the Eden Food Bank.
This year’s Emerging Artist Projects are as follows:
Jared’s Story (a staged reading) by Alomar Kocur follows Jared as he struggles to find inspiration for his writing. He seeks redemption with a new script and a new perspective on life.
I was Once On Fire by Phillip Turkiewicz is set in the aftermath of a tragic event – a teenager sets herself on fire and runs down her suburban cul-de-sac. The once-friendly neighbours retreat into their homes and the street is irrevocably marked with an abyss only the teenager can see.
I Was Once On Fire will be performed on the following days:
Tuesday, April 21: 7:30pm
Wednesday, April 22: 2pm and 6:30pm**
Thursday, April 23: 7:30pm
Friday, April 24: 2pm and 6:30pm**
Saturday, April 25: 2pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, April 26: 3pm**
The cost of admission is $15. To buy tickets, visit the Little Black Afro Theatre website.
For more information, contact Katie Powe, production manager, at katie@littleblackafro.com or 416-708-2575, or Luke Reece, artistic director, at luke@littleblackafro.com or 647-628-2333.