312 West 36th Street (at 8th Avenue)
New York, NY10018 ($5 suggested donation)
“Oh, you’re developing a solo show. . .why would you do that?”
A dear friend asked me this question about a year ago when i mentioned that i was in the midst of developing a rhyme for the UNDERground.
“I don’t even go to see one-person shows anymore,” he further explained as i gave my knowing smile.
Frankly, i understand the reluctance to see yet another solo show. i too have had to endure more than my fair share of overindulgent, dry, self-congratulatory one-person shows. Of course, through the mire there are some beautiful, standout gems, but it often seems like you have to wade through much “mire” to get to the “gems”.
And, as a rhyme continues to evolve, it has truly been amazing journey so far shaping this gem.:^)
The idea for this play started when subway fare was only $1.50. The New York Historical Society was running an exhibit about the enslavement system in New Yorkand i went to the exhibit. Being a native New Yorker, i had known vague details about the lives of enslaved Africans in New York, but the general stuff, like how Broadway and Wall Street were built by enslaved Africans during this era in New York’s history and there was an African burial site uncovered several years ago in downtown Manhattan. You know, general stuff. What captivated me about the exhibit (and is so crucial in untangling this nation’s history) were the personal accounts and specific stories that were instrumental to recounting the intricate history. So, in this flood of images and facts and reflection, for some reason the name Violet stood out among the many placards and signs. Violet was (. . . well, to be honest, all i remember of Violet these many subway-fare hikes later,is that she was an enslaved woman in New York City.) But on the subway ride home right after leaving the exhibit i just scribbled on one of the papers i had collected during the tour, “What if Violet saved a teenage girl today?” (i co-founded a non-profit, performing arts-education organization to work with teen girls so they are sort of always on my mind!)
“What if Violet saved a teenage girl today?”
It is from this simple question that a rhyme for the UNDERground began.
When i finally started to find answers to that question (right around the giant fare hike to $2), the piece was a multi-character, multi-actor play. But as the play called for more poetry, dance, original songs, spoken word and rap, it became clear that there was actually one central voice in the play—the voice of the character “chandra”. All of the other characters were, in fact, connected to this core character in a way that necessitated a single actor performing the entire piece. From “chandra’s” central humanity these other (now EIGHTEEN) characters were there to shape, guide and transform her. It has been amazing (and frightening!) to see that these other characters have always been and always will be pieces of the puzzle that compose this woman trying to figure out her journey.
My friend who asked that inciting question at subway fare price $2.25 has RSVPed as a “Maybe” to the Facebook invitation for the special workshop performance on May 17th, as part of Coyote REP’s Works-In-Development Series . (Please note that i did NOT send him that invite :^) So he just may be there. . .
Either way—
Albertine
Sam
Denitra
Jameel
Thomas
Fria
Malik
DaStruggle
Christina
Estrella
Male Voice
Lela
Dr. Barkley
Ernie
SaKeisha
Ray
chandra, and, of course,
Violet
will be there on this stop on the ride of a rhyme for the UNDERground.
Join the trend on Twitter::#arhyme
Originally from New York, chandra thomas is an actor/writer/producer. As an actor, performances include No Child... (2009 Barrymore Award nomination for Outstanding Leading Actress), Coney Island Avenue(NYTW), Reflections of a Heart (Theatre Row). Other theatre performances include contemporary and classical works atClassical Theatre of Harlem (AUDELCO nomination), Public Theatre, Guthrie, Women's Project Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theater, CherryLaneTheatre, P.S. 122, among others. On screen, chandra has most recently performed in co-star roles on The Good Wife and Law & Order: CI as well as a supporting role in the upcoming independent feature Sweet Lorraine. As a writer, her other plays include Standing At..., A Woman/B Woman, LETTERS (co-created), and many poetry/spoken word pieces; she is also currently working on several screenplays, including the feature LoveMatters. chandra is the co-founder of viBe Theater Experience, an award-winning, non-profit, performing-arts education organization empowering teenage girls in New York City. a rhyme for the UNDERground is her first full-length, solo play. Of course there is more info at www.NYchandra.com.
The New Play Development Program is our commitment to nurturing the original work of our company's playwrights. This intensive, ten-month program provides a structured series of workshops culminating in our May Works-in-Development Series, a public presentation of readings.
Coyote REP Presents its inaugural Works-in-Development Series May 9th-May 24th, 2010ART/NY and The Barrow Group Theater
You are invited to support the works of Coyote REP's up and coming playwrights by attending this month long festival of new work!We have always been a company that supports work from within our ranks. But in 2009 we began specifically encouraging our members to write plays for development by the company. The goal is to learn the process of developing a piece of theatre as a company from its beginning ideas all the way through to a full Coyote REP sound or stage production.
We ask that you come out and witness the seeds of this process, offer feedback and lend your own support to these promising writers!
*Talkbacks to follow each reading.
Rated 'M' for Mature By Greg Ayers Directed by Paul Dobie
Sunday May 9th 7pm ART/NY Bruce Mitchell Room 520 8th Avenue, 3rd Floor (between 36th and 37th Streets) New York, NY 10018 ($5 suggested donation)
Eric, a lonely sixteen year old, is addicted to living vicariously through his avatar in an expansive online video game. But when he starts to neglect his real life, his computer is taken away. How far will he and his friends go to get it back? --- Questions My Mother Can't Answer By writer/performer Andrea Caban
Monday May 10th 7pm ART/NY Bruce Mitchell Room 520 8th Avenue, 3rd Floor (between 36th and 37th Streets) New York, NY 10018 ($5 suggested donation)
Questions My Mother Can't Answer by writer/performer Andrea Caban, is a documentary-based collage of the true mythologies of women from her mother's generation and her search to fill in the blanks of her own mythology. Andrea navigates through the stories of 8 women as they reflect on growing up in the 50's, getting pregnant in the 60's, raising children, having sex, finding happiness & becoming characters in a play.
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What She Means By Rebecca Tourino Directed by Michael Lluberes
Sunday, May 16th 7pm The Barrow Group Theater The Garret Studio 312 West 36th Street (at 8th Avenue) New York, NY 10018 ($5 suggested donation)
A writer in the very act of writing a play, five children trying to take over the story, and the mysterious old woman they all love. Battles of will.Games of tag.Existential crises.Inexplicable cabbages. What She Means is about memory, childhood, grief, and the bewildering process of creation.
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a rhyme for the UNDERground by chandrathomas Directed by Tia Hodge
Monday May 17th 7pm The Barrow Group Theater The Studio Theater 312 West 36th Street (at 8th Avenue) New York, NY10018 ($5 suggested donation)
“a rhyme for the UNDERground," in a sentence, is not your mother’s solo show! This new work follows chandra, a social researcher, as she interviews people from all over the world as they travel on the New York City subway. While she thinks her interviewees are there to help her with her book, she quickly discovers they are really there to save her from the precipice. Actor/writer chandrathomas journeys through 17¼ characters in her humorous and moving play infused with poetry, songs, spoken word and dance. ---
The New Normal By Donnetta Lavinia Grays Directed by Isaac Byrne
Monday May 24th 7pm ART/NY Bruce Mitchell Room 520 8th Avenue, 3rd Floor (between 36th and 37th Streets) New York, NY 10018 ($5 suggested donation)
Anna is a spontaneous and fun-loving 32-year-old; a hot mama with a new baby, new family and a new life in Seattle. Just as her new life is kicking into high gear she is handed a diagnosis of Breast Cancer that changes her plans. This is a story of survival. This is a story of humor. This is the story of a family fighting with this disease…and it’s also the story of survivors feeling each others breasts at cocktail parties…This is The New Normal. ---
You are invited to attend the talkbacks following each reading.
To reserve seats, email info@coyoterep.org with the following information: Subject: Reservations Name: Email: Phone Number: Desired Reading(s): Desired Number of Tickets: ($5 Suggested Donation at the Door)
*Seating is limited so make your reservation early!
The New Play Development Program is our commitment to nurturing the original work of our company's playwrights. This intensive, ten-month program provides a structured series of workshops culminating in our May Works-in-Development Series, a public presentation of readings.
