May 7 (thru May 26): Brooklyn Academy of Music’s
47th DanceAfrica Immersive Begins
BAM’s DanceAfrica, the largest of its kind in the nation, celebrates the dynamic, rich tapestry of African arts and culture, in a month-long exploration of dance, music, film, art with a focus on Cameroon, and Brooklyn-Mother Continent cultural synergies. For a complete lineup of free and paid events, plus ticketing and registration information, visit BAM.org today. (See below for May 24-26 performance information.)
May 14: ASASE Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation Activates “Dream”
at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation, Inc. (AYCAF) will hold its very first fundraising gala entitled “Dreams in Action: A Night of African-inspired Elegance” at the historic Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights.
An institution in the community for more than 20 years, the organization’s impact on families and children is immeasurable. K. Osei Williams, AYCAF executive director, recently announced gala event details: high-energy music and dance performances by the Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble and Arkestra Africa; art installations of the Diaspora; an awards ceremony and after-party headlined by the renowned DJ Spinna.
Event honorees, noted locally and nationally for exceptional service, passionate commitment and contributions to the world of cultural arts, include Atiba T. Edwards, BCM’s president and CEO; Cheryl Todmann, founder and executive producer, The Stars of New York Dance; NYC First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and award-winning actor Malik Yoba, founder and CEO, Yoba Development.
Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to the arts. The gala is supported by local and national sponsors. For more information: www.AsaseYaaEnt.org or call (646) 468-0710.
Ongoing (thru May 19): Lynn Nottage “Fabulation” Production at The Billie
Lynn’s Nottage’s “Fabulation or The Education of Undine” at the at The Billie Theatre, 1368 Harriet Ross Tubman Ave. Plot: Join Undine Barnes Calles, a bold and determined African American woman, as she navigates the aftermath of her husband’s sudden disappearance.
Production Cast and Crew: Directed by Martavius Parrish, Ms. Nottage’s play features actress Felicia Curry in the lead role through May 6 and Kedren A. Spencer assuming the lead for the remaining two weeks.
The supporting cast includes Stephanie Pope, Evander Duck Jr, Sharon Hope, Mariyea Jackson, Roland Lane, Tito Livas, Blake Russell, and Kimberlee Walker. Tickets $60. eventbrite.com/e/fabulation-or-the-re-education-of-undine-tickets-861921700007
May 24-May 26: BAM DanceAfrica Performances
Fri, May 24 at 7:30pm; Sat, May 25 at 2pm & 7pm; Sun, May 26 at 3pm
BAM 47th DANCEAFRICA overarching theme, and dance festival directed by Abdel R. Salaam is entitled Origin of Communities / A Calabash of Cultures.
The nation’s largest African dance festival returns with a panoramic exploration of Cameroon’s rich heritage, featuring Cie La Calebasse, on the Howard Gilman Opera House stage, with performances by The Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble, DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers and Women of the Calabash at BAM’s Howard Gilman Opera House, Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave., BK.
by Bernice Elizabeth Green