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SOUL II SOUL: WHAT MAKES A POET BREATHE?
Fri., Feb. 24, 2023 - 8:00 pm Sat., Feb. 25, 2023 - 8:00 pm Sun., Feb. 26, 2023 - 3:00 pm PAY WHAT YOU MAY AT THE DOOR Silver Spring Black Box Theatre 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910 In recognition of Black History Month, Live Garra Theatre presents “Soul II Soul: What Makes a Poet Breathe?”-- staged readings written by poets and aspiring playwrights about what it means to be distinguished as an Ascending Citizen. As part of the Playwrights' Conservatory: The Voice of the Human Living Experience, ascending citizens tell their stories. Artists put pen to paper to create a community-based arts related experience, the organic development of the life stories of fellow poets supporting each other. And Still I Rise... |
Ascendants of this World
featuring 
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A WORK IN PROGRESS ...
A Brooklyn Village Songbook: The Musical Version of
"THE WINDOW KING"
receives Helen Hayes Awards commendation and notable press reviews
A Brooklyn Village Songbook: The Musical Version of
"THE WINDOW KING"
receives Helen Hayes Awards commendation and notable press reviews
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DC Theater Arts - A resonant vision on view in ‘The Window King’ at Live Garra Theatre. Bless ji Jaja's engrossing new play prompted by a terminated pregnancy is both timeless and right on time.
By John Stoltenberg November 14, 2022 The Window King is an engrossing new play prompted by a terminated pregnancy told in the context of a love relationship and a neighborhood community. Written by Bless ji Jaja and programmed by Live Garra Theatre prior to the devastating decision in Dobbs, The Window King pulses with a poignant originality that is both timeless and right on time. |
MD Theatre Guide - ‘The Window King’ presented by Live Garra Theatre at Silver Spring Black Box Theatre
By Anne Valentino November 20, 2022 "Whiteside’s direction handles an array of structural nuances to a satisfying end, and you leave the theatre with the distinct sense that you know these characters, only wishing that you could see how their lives continue to unfold from here." |
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“A strong wind blows through the window; an invisible force, the same as the earth. Her eyes are open but they see another world. Her voice is light. Angelic." -from the Window King
“The Window King” is about a young couple; who find themselves facing the decision whether or not to bring a new life into the world. They make the decision to have an abortion and dedicate themselves to their careers. The play finds Mechelle in grave distress because of a reflection on the living room window is an image; an apparition of Mother Mary holding her Baby. Is it a smudge or a sign as punishment? Only the others, the neighbors, the believers, accept what they see before them when the inexplicable happens and defies rational thought.
"The Window King" is a story of redemption and validation; the ultimate right to life and the right or wrong of the choices one makes. This could be anyone’s story, the loss of a loved one by their own doing; terminating a pregnancy and the unbearable guilt deepening the wound. Just before the walls of remorse close-in; we see a light. We feel a ubiquitous presence of forgiveness, and we're reminded how precious and brief life is--
and we know love forever, always and no matter what.
Is it a miracle?
Parental guidance is advised; this play contains adult themes and explicit content that may be inappropriate for children.
"The Window King" is a story of redemption and validation; the ultimate right to life and the right or wrong of the choices one makes. This could be anyone’s story, the loss of a loved one by their own doing; terminating a pregnancy and the unbearable guilt deepening the wound. Just before the walls of remorse close-in; we see a light. We feel a ubiquitous presence of forgiveness, and we're reminded how precious and brief life is--
and we know love forever, always and no matter what.
Is it a miracle?
Parental guidance is advised; this play contains adult themes and explicit content that may be inappropriate for children.
Welcome to Live Garra Theatre!
MISSION
Live Garra Theatre, Inc endeavors to employ the cultural arts to address universal social-life issues; illuminate all facets of a multicultural society; foster cross-cultural understanding of the many ethnic voices in the community; reinforce the value of diversity, and strengthen the social connections among people. The word "garra" literally means claws -- to hold on and to ‘live Garra’ (Portuguese for prevail) means to go the distance and never give up.
As a resident company of the Theatre Consortium of Silver Spring, the organization operates out of the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre as a performance training studio, an incubator for a core repertory of skilled poets, playwrights, and artists, as well as providing a 'safe harbor' for the youth. Live Garra Theatre aspires to fill the void of culturally specific Theatre, preserving the African-American heritage's unique legacy and contributing to Black Theatre's survival.
Why Black Lives Matter ...
As a resident company of the Theatre Consortium of Silver Spring, the organization operates out of the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre as a performance training studio, an incubator for a core repertory of skilled poets, playwrights, and artists, as well as providing a 'safe harbor' for the youth. Live Garra Theatre aspires to fill the void of culturally specific Theatre, preserving the African-American heritage's unique legacy and contributing to Black Theatre's survival.
Why Black Lives Matter ...
FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE
All Patrons Must Wear Masks During Performances
PLEASE READ THE LIVE GARRA THEATRE / TCSS COVID POLICY
Our Sincerest Thanks!!
We are in uncharted waters; transitioning slowly, but deliberately; seamlessly - starting with zoom play read throughs and community talk-backs. We’re inviting patrons to experience live theatre again and as the saying goes: "the show MUST go on."
And we’re putting the show on; it’ll be just how we remember it used to be; great storytelling, tears, laughter, lights, costumes, sets and action. New on the playbill: masks, social distancing and vaccinations.
And we’re putting the show on; it’ll be just how we remember it used to be; great storytelling, tears, laughter, lights, costumes, sets and action. New on the playbill: masks, social distancing and vaccinations.
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About our Artistic Producer
Wanda Whiteside is the Artistic Producer and founder of Live Garra Theatre; she trained at the Boston Conservatory of Music, HB Actor's Studio and Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts in New York. She has performed professionally at the Olney Theatre Center, the Arena Stage and the Round House Theatre. She was a judge for the NAACP Actso competitions for two years and presenter at the University of Maryland Black Theatre Symposium on the state of Black Theatre in America.
Wanda earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts from Howard University. She holds a Master of Science in Business Management. She received a Master of Education and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership for Change; both degrees from Fielding Graduate University. Wanda joined the Montgomery College faculty in 2023 as an Acting instructor. She is a founding Board member of the Theatre Consortium of Silver Spring, Inc. of which she is an Ex-Officio Board member. She is a founding Board member of the Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., and is currently on the Advisory Board.
Wanda was employed at Discovery Communications, Inc. for 15 years as a Director/Editor. She and her husband owned and operated the Bonifant Theatre Space in Silver Spring, MD. Wanda received an Honorable Citation from the Maryland State House of Delegates for her work with the Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. and was awarded Montgomery’s Best Honoree community service award. |
