In a groundbreaking move that resonates with Harlem’s rich musical heritage, King Charles has appointed Errollyn Wallen as the new Master of the King’s Music. This historic appointment marks the first time a Black composer has been given this prestigious honorary post, echoing the trailblazing spirit that has long defined Harlem’s cultural landscape. Breaking Barriers…
If you’re like more than half of your neighbors, you shop at Goodwill at least sometime during the year. But, do you hit up Goodwill enough to know all the ins and outs? All the insider tips? ConsumerAffairs went searching for those who might know those insider secrets. Theit first visit was with shopping hacker Kyle…
There are many destinations for people who want to take mesmerizing African Safari tours. Several tour operators offer such safari packages for different types of visitors. Most operate in the massive and enthralling Greater Kruger National Park. Consequently, several private game reserves have emerged in the region. These accommodations are ideal for people who want…
The reception place of any office serves as its welcoming face, placing the tone for site visitors and customers alike. In the realm of workplace layout, choosing the proper furniture, specifically top-class workplace tables, can significantly beautify the aesthetics, functionality, and normal environment of this essential space. From creating a long-lasting first impression to optimizing…
The demand for versatile and area-saving workplace furniture has surged in the dynamic landscape of far-flung paintings, wherein the idea of the workplace has transcended the traditional limitations of brick-and-mortar systems. Nowhere is this fashion better said than within the Philippines, in which a burgeoning network of far-off employees and freelancers redefines the idea of…
You must rush to Lincoln Center’s Claire Tow Theatre on W 65th Street because you only have a short window in which to experience the brilliant work of African American playwright Phillip Howze through his work “Six Characters,” running through August 25 only. This piece of theater starts off with a lot of humor and some very oddball characters, but as it goes on you realize there is a very deep message which deals with the racism, devaluing and disrespect that Black people face in all aspects of society, including the theater.
The audience is introduced to a company of actors who play the roles of Character 1, Character 2, Character 3, Character 4, Character 5 and Character 6. Through intense conversations, the playwright lets the audience witness how Black people have been mistreated and devalued by society for so long that they are not only used to it, but sadly accept it and in some cases feel that there is no way out. Even amongst each other, we find that we are victims of belittling. The playwright dramatically shows that we fear the racism that comes at us from so many different angles.Also of note is how the character that seems to have a bit of power, referred to as the Director, is a great Mussolini fan and actually does an impression of him, making a speech in Italian.
One character, Sassy, depicts a feisty Black woman who is searching for respect, and to be heard and appreciated. Another character, dressed as a policeman, is Sassy’s ex-boyfriend who is hoping to get back into her life, but is stopped by Sassy’s fears and needs. A character named Cat, a cleaning lady at the theater, is used to having to clean up the messes that the actors leave behind, especially the Director, but she also has a wise side to her, and a vulnerability. Another character, Road, an enslaved person who has found her way to the theater, realizes that times have not changed — we are still slaves to institutions and jobs. Another character, Newman, wants a career in acting and is searching for guidance. The ironic part about the Director character is that though he is technically “in charge,” he struggles for everything that his company gets. He realizes that, deep down, he actually has to grovel for whatever props and other materials he secures for a production, and he has to keep in mind the reactions that his white audiences will have, because they have the money.
Howze cleverly delivers this story with a great deal of heart and complexity, while also making it a lesson on how things have not really changed. The cast is absolutely stunning. Julian Robertson as Character 1 (The Director) delivers a funny, stirring performance. Claudia Logan, Character 2 (Sassy) brings passion, humor and intensity to her role, letting the audience see her sides that are sassy as well as those that are fearful and vulnerable. Seret Scott as Character 3 (Cat, the cleaning lady) gives a powerful, memorable performance that will leave an impression on your soul. Her frustration about cleaning up other people’s messes is palpable. Will Cobbs is marvelous as Character 4. He has a great chemistry with Logan as they play that couple that were once very much in love and trying to figure out what happened. CG plays Character 5 and Newman and was memorable to watch as she struggled wanting to be taken seriously and trying to understand the uprising that was happening around her in the theater. Seven F. B. Duncombe plays Character 6 (Road), and hers was one of the most engaging performances, as she maneuvered through trying to learn about this new society into which she has journeyed, only to realize that since slavery times things have not really improved that much. Her character, however, is a testament to the resilience of Black people to survive, no matter what, because we stay true to ourselves and find ways to cope with the situation happening around us.
Director Dustin Wills truly did a fine job of crafting these actors, words and exchanges to make the audience be engaged, entertained, but also walk away with a great deal to ponder. On the technical side you have costumes by Montana Levi Blanco, lighting by Masha Tsimring, sound by Christopher Darbassie, and stage management by Victoria Whooper. This is definitely a play worth your time and attention. Some parts may make you feel uncomfortable, unsettled, but sometimes theater should do just that. For ticket information, visit www.lct.org.
In the dynamic landscape of cutting-edge-day place of business format, wherein capability meets aesthetics, the not-unusual-or-garden steel cabinet emerges as a timeless hero. Beyond its utilitarian roots, the metal cabinet has made a change, evolving into a sleek and flexible answer for organizing and raising any workspace. In the current rapid-paced corporation environment, performance and…
Immature/ImX singer and actor Marques Houston (You Got Served, House Party 3, Sister, Sister) just released the lead single “Cowgirl” from his forthcoming LP, The Best Worst Year Ever.
“Cowgirl” incorporates elements from Bobby Brown‘s 1988 hit “Rock Wit’cha” and touches of 1993 smash “Freak Me” by Silk from 1993 into a modern mid-tempo bop that’s already racked up close to 2 million YouTube views:
Jumping on the western wear trend and aesthetic Beyoncé reclaimed earlier this year via Cowboy Carter, in the Chris Stokes-directed video, Houston is dripped in a variety of swaggy boots, hats, vests and jeans, and lays out a line dance that is gaining momentum on TikTok via the #Cowgirldancechallenge.
Fans can look forward to the release of Houston’s new album, The Best Worst Year Ever, which debuts on August 30th.
The album is said to reflect a transformative year for Houston, filled with personal and professional highs and lows. It is set to be a landmark in his career.
Check out two of “Cowgirl”‘s throwback inspirations below:
The 5th generation Toyota 4Runner is a capable off-road SUV beloved by outdoor enthusiasts. However, extra storage space is limited without its standard roof rack. A quality roof rack not only provides additional carrying capacity but can also increase off-road capability. Therefore, the CNC-machined roof racks are some of the strongest and best-fitting options for…
The history of Kraton as a traditional medicine dates back to ancient times in South East Asia. Kratom is grown in Southeast Asia, mostly around Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and is widely consumed around the world, including some parts of the US. Also known as Mitragyna Speciosa from the coffee family, the dried leaves of…
