UNCSA students, alumni and faculty to participate in this year’s International Black Theatre Festival
UNCSA faculty, students and alumni from the schools of Drama and Filmmaking are involved in theater and film productions being presented as part of this year’s International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF) opening Monday, July 29. The festival, which is held biennially by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company in Winston-Salem, runs through Aug. 3 and features a variety of events including theatrical productions, cultural tours, a vendors market, a youth talent showcase, audition opportunities for Disney Live Entertainment and a film festival. The IBTF features a mix of ticketed and free events.
Several UNCSA alumni and faculty members are in the cast of “Heritage” being presented during the festival. Drama faculty member Cliff Odle will play the role of Rev. L.T. Jackson and Filmmaking faculty member Melanie Matthews-Bates will play the role of Roberta. Drama alums in the cast include Jasmine Hurt (B.F.A. ’24) as Mahalia, Bailey James (B.F.A. ’23) as Young Stacy, Nic Brown (B.F.A. ’22) as Bishop and Nikyla Boxley (B.F.A. ’19) as Young Mahalia. The production is directed by H. Adam Harris.
The play takes place in a small storefront church in a rapidly changing neighborhood facing the threat of demolishment after their beloved pastor dies suddenly. After being away for many years, the preacher’s daughter Mahalia returns, reopening old wounds.
“It’s exciting to work with former students and watch them beginning their post-UNCSA careers,” said Odle. “Since this is my first stage role in about seven years, I am drawing a lot of inspiration from their energy and drive.”
“Heritage” runs from Tuesday, July 30, through Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Wake Forest University Ring Theatre at the Scales Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online.
“We Are, Because We Were” / Photo: Rodney Wilds
Drama alumna Devin Kessler (B.F.A. ’18) is a member of the cast of “I Am…a Shepherdess.” The play is set at a wedding rehearsal where four women deal with an outside incident that threatens to tear them apart and they must confront what haunts them in order to heal each other. They navigate the trials and tribulations of being Black women in America, while finding humor and solace within the bonds of their sisterhood.
“I Am…a Shepherdess” will run from Tuesday, July 30, through Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Wake Forest University Harold C. Tedford Mainstage at the Scales Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online.
The short documentary film “We Are, Because We Were,” produced by the School of Filmmaking’s Media and Emerging Technology Lab (METL), will be screened as part of the festival. The film features the Winston-Salem African American Archive and its mission to preserve the history of the Black community in Winston-Salem. The production team, led by director Rodney Wilds, includes UNCSA Filmmaking students Joshua Robinson and Alexia Forsythe as producers, Ben Wanko as the cinematographer, Gavin Smith as the editor and Jason Leeper as the sound mixer. The free screening takes place on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 12:15 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 3, at 9:45 a.m. at a/perture cinema’s studio one downtown.
“Happy Hill: Stories From the Community” / Photo: Tiffany Luard
“The UNCSA School of Filmmaking is honored to partner with this team of talented storytellers to shine a light on the important work of the Winston-Salem African American Archive.” said Deborah LaVine, dean of the School of Filmmaking.
Screening immediately after “We Are, Because We Were” in the same time slots (Thursday, Aug. 1, at 12:15 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 3, at 9:45 a.m.) is the short film “Happy Hill: Stories From the Community,” also screening for free at a/perture cinema’s studio one. Alumnae Tiffany Luard (High School Drama ’04, B.F.A. Film ’08) and Tonya Sheffield (B.F.A. Film ’08) are the executive producers for “Happy Hill: Stories From the Community,” which features former residents of the historic Happy Hill community as they recount their experiences living in one of the earliest designated communities for people of color in Winston-Salem through footage captured using their smartphones.
“My time at UNCSA taught me the immense social impact of art. This year’s exhibit is an ongoing project that aims to uplift the historic Happy Hill community,” said Luard, who is also the director of the film. “Mentors like Dale Pollock and Julian Semilian shaped my understanding of art, ethics and storytelling. We extend our sincere gratitude to the International Black Theatre Festival for these cherished opportunities to showcase our work.”
Additionally, Filmmaking student Cameryn Chestnut was announced earlier as an SECU Public Fellows Intern who is working with the North Carolina Black Repertory Company this summer.
“It is truly inspiring to see our Filmmaking students working on impactful projects in the community while becoming experts in their craft,” added LaVine. “This opportunity to learn from other local creatives is truly one of a kind.”
Information in this release reflects what could be obtained by press time; updates will be made with additional connections as they are brought to our attention.
About the International Black Theatre Festival
The North Carolina Black Repertory Company is the proud producer of the International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF). The historic event illuminates the powerful theatrical spirit and extraordinary talent of performers, designers, directors, producers and technicians from across the country and abroad. During six life-impacting days, audiences will experience electrifying performances, riveting films, cutting-edge spoken word poetry, engaging youth programming, informative workshops, insightful academic discussions and a vendor’s market steeped in the African Diaspora. For aspiring theater professionals seeking to advance their careers and connect with like-minded peers, IBTF offers unparalleled networking opportunities. Drawing an audience of upwards of 65,000 theatre-lovers and having contributed more than $200 million to the Winston-Salem economy since its inception, IBTF has turned Winston-Salem into a destination for theater practitioners from across the globe, all of whom see the opportunity to perform on Black Theatre Holy Ground as both an honor and a privilege.
July 25, 2024