CELEBRATE THE WORD

FEATURES EIGHT CONSECUTIVE DAYS OF SPOKEN WORD, PERFORMANCE, PLAYS AND FILM AT GREENWAY COURT THEATRE, AUGUST 19th-26th
 
           Beginning on August 19th, Greenway Court Theatre, the hub of the Los Angeles Spoken Word Community, will be host to Celebrate The Word, a festival featuring spoken word, performance, plays and film. Greenway Court has been home for the last ten years to Da’ Poetry Lounge, an acclaimed open mic and spoken word venue that has achieved national repute and is THE place for spoken word performance.
           Ten years together: That’s longer than most Hollywood marriages. This milestone suggests that it’s time for a celebration. That celebration is Celebrate The Word. It is the first in what is projected to be an annual event. Here’s the schedule, with events and prices subject to change:
           Tuesday, August 19: 7 p.m.- Opening reception. 9 p.m.- Da’ Poetry Lounge, featuring “The Battle for L.A.,” a slam featuring teams from across California. $10.
           Wednesday, August  20: 8 p.m.- “Public Poet.” A multi-character piece written by Shihan (2004 National Poetry Slam Champion).
“Conversing With the Street.”  Written by solo performer Brutha Gimel (Da’ Poetry Lounge, Spoken Funk, Fly Poet’s Showcase, Reflection).
$10 each show, $15 for both.
           Thursday, August 21: 8 p.m.- “The Word Begins.” A full-length theatre piece influenced heavily by the energy and style of hip-hop, spoken word, and stand-up and sketch comedy. Nominated for three Helen Hayes Awards (production, writing, ensemble). Critics called it “a stunning show on the edge of modern theater.” Starring writer-performers Steve Connell (2002 Hollywood Slam Champion, 2003 LA. Champion, 2003 New Word Series Champion, 2003 National Poetry Champion [shared award]) and Sekou (tha misfit) (2002 and 2003 National Poetry Slam Champion [shared award]). Developed and directed by Robert Egan.  Produced through special arrangement with Prana Theatre Group. Originally produced at The Signature Theatre- Eric Shaffer, Artistic Director. Developed at the Ojai Playwrights Conference. $20; students $15.
           Friday, August 22: 8 p.m.- A reunion of members of the Tony Award winning cast of Def Poetry Jam. $30; students $25.
           Saturday, August 23: 8 p.m.- “Kill The Poets.” A celebrity reading of a new play by Steve Connell. Inspired by this story: A revolution occurred in an ancient land and the King was asked, “What to do, sire? There’s madness in the streets.” The King replied, “It’s simple. Kill the poets.” $20; students $15.
           Sunday, August 24: 7 p.m.- “Same Train.” Excerpts from the hit play that premiered in New York earlier this year, combining dramatic and comedic spoken word monologues with original song. Includes “Mama Still Sings”: A mother  watches in desperation as her African American son succumbs to the temptations of the inner city; “Black Betty”: Miles, a successful Black man, returns to the old hood to reconnect with an old love…but she has three terrifying dogs. Written by Levy Lee Simon, award-winning playwright of the trilogy “For The Love Of Freedom” and “The Bow Wow Club.” Music and lyrics by Mark Bruckner. Directed by Mary Beth Easley.
8 p.m. – “Slam.” A screening of the 1998 film that won the Golden Camera Award at the Cannes Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.  A gifted young MC uses his spoken word skills to survive life in a rough housing project called Dodge City. Live appearances by special guests are planned.
           $10 per event; $15 for both.
           Monday, August 25, 8 p.m.: An evening of spoken word featuring talented poets from the gay and lesbian community. $10.
           Tuesday, August 26: 7 p.m. - Closing night reception. 9 p.m. - Da’ Poetry Lounge, featuring “Champion Slam,” an event featuring National Slam Poetry Champions from the last 10 years plus special guests. $10.
           A festival all-access pass will be available for $75.
           During the festival, there will also be appearances by renowned special guests, on dates yet to be announced. Among these guest artists will be spoken word star and KPFK radio personality Jerry Quickley (“Beneath The Surface,” “Live From the Front”).
           Greenway Arts Alliance presents Celebrate The Word in association with Da’ Poetry Lounge. Emily Weisberg produces. Steve Connell , Shihan, and Brutha Gimel are Festival Directors of Celebrate The Word. Whitney Weston and Pierson Blaetz are Artistic Directors of Greenway Arts Alliance.
           The Greenway Court Theatre is located at 544 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036. This is located south of Melrose Ave. There is adjacent parking.
           Reservations: (323) 655-7679 ext. 100.. Website: www.greenwayarts.org
           Additional information: www.myspace.com/celebratetheword
           Tickets will be available online at the listed sites above and also available at the door.