Staged readings to take place internationally as part of Project1VOICE effort on June 19

SARASOTA, FL – On June 19, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) will take part in Project1VOICE/1PLAY/1DAY, an international effort presented in association with 45 theater companies and other diverse institutions to celebrate African American theatre. This year, Project1VOICE has selected Dael Orlandersmith’s Yellowman, a 2002 Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama, for staged readings. 

Yellowman follows the tragically intertwined love story between Alma, a large, dark-skinned black woman, and Eugene, a tall, light-skinned black man, from childhood to adulthood. It takes place in the Gullah community in South Carolina in the 1960s. The play – which contains mature themes, brief violence, and strong language – examines intra-racial discrimination, cyclical abuse, class, alcoholism, and racism.

Artists performing in the staged reading at WBTT are Syreeta Banks and Earley Dean. Director is Travis Ray.

Project1VOICE/1PLAY/1DAY – now in its 7th year – is an international, same-day, staged reading series that revives and reintroduces neglected, forgotten and/or underappreciated seminal works by black playwrights for the American theatre. The series also celebrates and honors the black global experience through partnerships that reflect the historical roots of each participating city. Project1VOICE, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts service organization based in New York City whose mission is to promote and support black theater, including black playwrights.

This year, Project1VOICE includes 45 theaters in three countries, 200 coordinated events, and an exponentially increased audience in person and via live streaming.

"Our experience last year with Project1VOICE was extremely positive, as we produced a reading of George C. Wolfe’s The Colored Museum. This year’s show touches upon some difficult – but important – themes that should spark spirited conversation," said WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. "Our mission is to promote and celebrate the African-American experience and, through efforts such as Project1VOICE/1PLAY/1DAY, we can become part of something bigger than ourselves and work to explore and empower black identity."

The staged reading of Yellowman takes place on Monday, June 19, 7:30 p.m. at the WBTT theater (1646 10th Way, Sarasota). Tickets are $10. Call the Box Office (941-366-1505) or go to westcoastblacktheatre.org.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s West Coast. The mission is to produce plays that promote and celebrate the African-American experience, attract diverse audiences while using its productions as a vehicle for supporting African-American artists and building the self-esteem of African-American youth. For more information on WBTT, visit the website at westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.