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| “THOUGHTS OF A COLORED MAN” TO OPEN ON BROADWAY THIS UPCOMING SEASON | |
| Last Edit: Official_Press_Release 03:14 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| Posted by: Official_Press_Release 03:12 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| “THOUGHTS OF A COLORED MAN” THE NEW PLAY BY KEENAN SCOTT II DIRECTED BY STEVE H. BROADNAX III TO OPEN ON BROADWAY THIS UPCOMING SEASON AT A SHUBERT THEATER TO BE ANNOUNCED New York, NY (November 17, 2021) – Today, producers Brian Moreland, Ron Simons, Diana DiMenna, Samira Wiley, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, announced that Thoughts of a Colored Man, the new play by Keenan Scott II, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, will open on Broadway in the upcoming season at a Shubert theater to be announced. Thoughts of a Colored Man will mark the Broadway debuts of both Scott and Broadnax. Scott’s new play The Migration LP is in development at New York Stage & Film and Broadnax most recently directed Katori Hall’s new play The Hot Wing King at Signature Theatre. Producer Brian Moreland said, “Keenan’s play has been one of my favorite journeys. From our very first reading in 2017, his voice was raw, pure, and honest for our world today. Steve’s direction brings unbridled tenderness to the experience of the contemporary Black male with a full range of humanity. More than ever, it is vital for Broadway and theaters across America to make room for the next generation of theater makers: to celebrate their communities, to feel their heartache, and to hear the stories they are ready to tell. The entire producing team is humbled to play a small role in bringing Keenan Scott II and Steve H. Broadnax III to Broadway.” Thoughts of a Colored Man had its critically acclaimed world premiere at Syracuse Stage under the artistic direction of Robert Hupp in fall of 2019 with a subsequent run later that year at Baltimore Center Stage (Stephanie Ybarra, Artistic Director). Robert Hupp said, “Thoughts of a Color Man demonstrates the important role non-profit regional theater plays in the ecology of Broadway. Syracuse Stage, along with Baltimore Center Stage, was proud to premiere Thoughts of a Colored Man. Giving this play its first artistic home was a distinct honor, and we are thrilled to know Keenan’s powerful work will be among the first productions to reopen Broadway. It is the right play for right now.” Over the course of a single day in the pulsing heart of Brooklyn, the hopes, sorrows, fears, and joys of seven men reverberate far beyond the barbershops and basketball courts of their community. Vulnerable and vibrant, raw and alive — these are the Thoughts of a Color Man. A powerful theatrical testament by Keenan Scott II, Thoughts of a Color Man weaves spoken word, slam poetry, and rhythm into a mosaic of the inner lives of Black men and heralds the arrival of an essential new voice to the American theater. The creative team for Thoughts of a Colored Man includes music by Te’La and Brother Kamau, set design by Tony Award® nominee Robert Brill, co-costume design by Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award® winner Toni-Leslie James and Devario D. Simmons, lighting design by Ryan O’Gara, projection design by Tony and Drama Desk Award nominee Sven Ortel, and sound design by Mikaal Sulaiman. Calleri, Jensen, & David serve as casting directors for the production. Casting, first preview, opening night, and ticket information for Thoughts of a Colored Man will be announced in the coming weeks. BIOGRAPHIES Keenan Scott II (Playwright) is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Flushing, Queens. His work has been produced at Howard University, Gala Hispanic Theatre, National Black Theater, and the NYC Fringe Festival. Scott’s critically acclaimed piece Thoughts of a Colored Man has been workshopped and developed at The Arena Stage and the historic New York Theatre Workshop for private readings. The play had its world premiere at Syracuse Stage for their 2019-2020 season and transferred to Baltimore Center Stage to finish its regional run. He has also been commissioned for several pieces including being a part of the Play at Home series curated by Baltimore Center Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, The Public Theater, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. As well as having his piece Hashtag Me Not featured in a benefit for NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. called #WhileWeBreathe. His latest work The Migration LP is currently being developed at New York Stage and Film. He is also developing a series for TV entitled “The New Reform.” Keenan Scott II has just signed to A3 Artist Agency. Steve H. Broadnax III (Director). Directing credits include various shows and theatre’s nationally and internationally including: Signature Theatre NYC; Actors’ Theatre of Louisville; Hattiloo Theatre; Syracuse Stage; Ensemble Studio Theatre Company NYC; Chautauqua Theatre Company; People’s Light Theatre; Apollo Theater NYC; Classical Theatre of Harlem; Atlantic Theater NYC; Detroit Public Theatre; Baltimore Center Stage; Cleveland Playhouse; The Black Theatre Troupe in Phoenix, AZ; Arkansas Repertory Theatre; Moore Theatre in Seattle; Market Theatre Johannesburg, SA; The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland; National Arts Festival in South Africa; and The Adelaide Arts Festival in Australia. The Hip-Hop Project, an award-winning, full-length original play directed, choreographed, and conceived by Broadnax, has toured nationally and was showcased at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Other writings include American Taboo, Camouflage (Eugene O’Neil semifinalist), and Bayard Rustin: Inside Ashland (2021 world première at The People’s Light Theatre Company). As a member of Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), he has worked nationally and internationally. Broadnax is also a member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre and the National Theatre Conference in NYC. He as serves as the Resident Director at People’s Light Theatre. Training: BFA Conservatory of Fine Arts Webster University, MFA Penn State University. He is currently a Professor of Theatre at Penn State University. |
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| Link | http://www.thoughtsofacoloredman.com |
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| From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Last Edit: dramedy 05:24 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| Posted by: dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: “THOUGHTS OF A COLORED MAN” TO OPEN ON BROADWAY THIS UPCOMING SEASON - Official_Press_Release 03:12 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| Why is this title allowed? If I called someone a colored person, I would be raked over the coals for saying that or corrected to say “person of color”. So now it’s in a title on broadway? Don’t get me started on using the n word in songs. How will white people change their statements and thinking if these terms are constantly used? | |
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| Typical white man making racism all about himself..... | |
| Posted by: KingSpeed 12:57 am EST 11/19/20 | |
| In reply to: From the perspective of a white male... - dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| It's your post that's offensive. Not the title of the play. I can't stand it when white men think they get to make up the "rules" of racism. | |
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| and nothing changes with that attitude | |
| Posted by: dramedy 02:03 pm EST 11/19/20 | |
| In reply to: Typical white man making racism all about himself..... - KingSpeed 12:57 am EST 11/19/20 | |
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| Cutting off discussion with “I’m right and you can’t challenge attitude.” By discussing the issue I’m seeing other perspective on the topic. I may not agree with some of the arguments, but I appreciate the perspective and time given to make them and not be dismissive like your response where I learn nothing but to shutup and be quiet and don’t make any waves. That doesn’t help societal problems but only makes it linger and fester. | |
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| re: and nothing changes with that attitude | |
| Posted by: ryhog 04:06 pm EST 11/19/20 | |
| In reply to: and nothing changes with that attitude - dramedy 02:03 pm EST 11/19/20 | |
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| I think we sometimes forget that a large part of the motivation for posting a response here is, presumably, to persuade someone to change their mind/attitude/etc about something, whether it is like the subject of this thread or someone suggesting that you give Roma a second chance. When I posted in this thread, I think I used the word "ponder." It's a good one and I think speaks to what you have now written. When I call someone out about something they wrote, it ought to be a learning experience, not a gotcha moment. | |
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| "linger and fester"? | |
| Posted by: waterfall 02:51 pm EST 11/19/20 | |
| In reply to: and nothing changes with that attitude - dramedy 02:03 pm EST 11/19/20 | |
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| Like this thread? | |
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| I give up. Don’t respond anymore to this thread. | |
| Posted by: dramedy 10:25 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: From the perspective of a white male... - dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| I’m wrong and everyone else is right. Clearly no one agree with me. | |
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| re: I give up. Don’t respond anymore to this thread. | |
| Posted by: KingSpeed 12:59 am EST 11/19/20 | |
| In reply to: I give up. Don’t respond anymore to this thread. - dramedy 10:25 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| And you continue to make the discussion topic about you.... | |
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| re: I give up. Don’t respond anymore to this thread. | |
| Posted by: waterfall 12:12 am EST 11/18/20 | |
| In reply to: I give up. Don’t respond anymore to this thread. - dramedy 10:25 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| If I were you, I'd ask Ann to delete your post. All the rest will vanish. You blew this one. | |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Posted by: singleticket 07:24 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: From the perspective of a white male... - dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| To reference FOR COLORED GIRLS... which the play's form might claim as a predecessor. | |
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| This play is for 2021-22 | |
| Posted by: dramedy 09:02 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: re: From the perspective of a white male... - singleticket 07:24 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| I get it’s been used in the past. And I am against rewriting history like gone with the wind or the play you referenced. And I have problems with holding someone to statement made years ago (like randy rainbow). But I do think moving forwards there is an obligation to follow the rules of being politically correct for all. I don’t think it holds water to have white people with one standard and people of color with a different standard. | |
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| re: This play is for 2021-22 | |
| Posted by: MockingbirdGirl 10:21 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: This play is for 2021-22 - dramedy 09:02 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| It's not just that it's been used in the past; it was a direct inspiration: When I was a sophomore in college I saw the made for TV special For Colored Girls who considered suicide and was blown away by the words. Being a spoken word artist as well, it inspired me to start writing this piece. After researching the play more and realizing it was written during the feminist movement of the '70s, I wanted to write something for the young black male of the 21st century. |
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| Link | Keenan M. Scott II interview |
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| re: This play is for 2021-22 | |
| Posted by: ryhog 10:09 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: This play is for 2021-22 - dramedy 09:02 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| You are certainly entitled to your opinion on this (and everything else). What I am understanding is that that is what you are doing and you are free to maintain your firmly held convictions with or without doing any of the suggested reading etc. I also assume you acknowledge that no one can enforce any "rules" and that what you are doing is telling a person of color what they are obligated to do. A respectful request: please ponder that for a minute. | |
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| I would encourage you to do some reading and educate yourself a bit on the issues you’re commenting on | |
| Posted by: HadriansMall 09:28 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: This play is for 2021-22 - dramedy 09:02 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| Or not...up to you | |
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| I’m not calling you out, Dramedy, but... | |
| Posted by: HadriansMall 07:09 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: From the perspective of a white male... - dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| it’s a nuanced topic that requires critical thought and a fundamental understanding that the white experience is incredibly different than that of The BIPOC community, regardless of any differentiation you might have within the white community (ie gay) *for clarity I am also a white, gay man* |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Last Edit: ryhog 06:37 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| Posted by: ryhog 06:34 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: From the perspective of a white male... - dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| Others have given you good explanations and I won't repeat them. Instead, let me suggest that you look at some of the writings on the name of the NAACP as it moved into the "current" era. See if that helps illuminate this for you. Bonus question regarding your opening question: allowed by whom? Bonus question regarding what you thought when you read it: aside from wondering about the usage, what did the title make you think or ask yourself? |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Posted by: borneback 06:20 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: From the perspective of a white male... - dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| I am going to respond to you in a constructive way, because I feel like you are raising a valid question. The word "colored" is generally considered to be inappropriate to describe a Black or African American individual in modern context. However, here it is being used in an artistic context by an author of color. The word may have some important meaning in the context of the show or used to point out an important distinction. Also, many scholars believe the word "colored" is not in itself a racial slur, in the way the N-word is. It can certainly be a slur in certain contexts, but it has a more complex history. And Dramedy, no one is going to call you a racist for explaining that you went to see "Thoughts of a Colored Man" on Broadway and repeating the title. This is all about context, and I am sure everyone on this chat understands the distinction. | |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Posted by: JLagow (JLagow@aol.com) 06:28 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: re: From the perspective of a white male... - borneback 06:20 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| I think you wrote a very thoughtful and respectful response. | |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Posted by: JLagow (JLagow@aol.com) 05:59 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: From the perspective of a white male... - dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| Let me suggest an analogy: Let’s say the playwright is gay and uses fag in the title. As a gay man, I would be fine with that versus a straight person using that word (especially if the person is known to be homophobic. Just my 2 cents Note - this is my opinion. I will not reply to any nasty comments. |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Posted by: tandelor 07:22 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: re: From the perspective of a white male... - JLagow 05:59 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| Same with Larry Kramer's novel Faggots. Though come to think of it, many gay men were not happy at the time with either his title or the book :-) Which really WAS the point. |
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| As a gay guy, I object to using the term in the title | |
| Posted by: dramedy 06:48 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: re: From the perspective of a white male... - JLagow 05:59 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| And that word is fag or faggot. I’ve heard the arguments that gays take back the word by using it (and I’ve heard that same argument for the n word), but I don’t buy it. When people see and hear something over and over, they become immune to it and it becomes acceptable. I don’t think (and maybe I’m completely wrong) that we don’t change the narrative for the world if we don’t change it in the community. | |
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| re: As a gay guy, I object to using the term in the title | |
| Posted by: MockingbirdGirl 10:53 am EST 11/18/20 | |
| In reply to: As a gay guy, I object to using the term in the title - dramedy 06:48 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| I’ve heard the arguments that gays take back the word by using it (and I’ve heard that same argument for the n word), but I don’t buy it. What about Queer Eye? |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Last Edit: Singapore/Fling 05:54 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| Posted by: Singapore/Fling 05:53 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: From the perspective of a white male... - dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| There are certain things that you can't say because you are a white man than non-white people can say, because they're talking about themselves and responding to hundreds of years of oppression. It's that simple. White people shouldn't need other folks to change their language in order to change ours. Lord knows our ancestors didn't take the approach that all the rights they amassed for themselves should be shared equally with those they oppressed. |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Posted by: 37Rubydog 06:21 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: re: From the perspective of a white male... - Singapore/Fling 05:53 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| Couldn’t have said it better myself. Ultimately, the title is the decision of the playwright. | |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Posted by: dbdbdb 06:56 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: re: From the perspective of a white male... - 37Rubydog 06:21 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| Not sure if it is intended by the playwright, but the term can be used by persons of color with satiric or ironic intent. Some years ago on her talk show, Oprah Winfrey was praising her lighting design team, adding "That's why I'm the best-looking colored girl on television!" | |
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| re: From the perspective of a white male... | |
| Posted by: Ncassidine 05:37 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: From the perspective of a white male... - dramedy 05:23 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| 1. You can call your play whatever you want. You don't need to ask permission. 2. You can self-identify however you want. You don't need to ask permission. |
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| White supremacy lives by those two edicts. | |
| Posted by: dramedy 06:52 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: re: From the perspective of a white male... - Ncassidine 05:37 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| I disagree that one can say and do anything they want without repercussions and long term effects. | |
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| re: White supremacy lives by those two edicts. | |
| Posted by: whereismikeyfl 11:00 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
| In reply to: White supremacy lives by those two edicts. - dramedy 06:52 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| "I disagree that one can say and do anything they want without repercussions and long term effects." You are disagreeing with a statement that no one made. Which I think exposes your m.o. |
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| re: White supremacy lives by those two edicts. | |
| Posted by: Pokernight 12:10 am EST 11/18/20 | |
| In reply to: re: White supremacy lives by those two edicts. - whereismikeyfl 11:00 pm EST 11/17/20 | |
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| IF you are African-American your post indeed is worthy of discussion. If you are NOT, then you have entered into a world you could never understand. | |
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