BlackNLA Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Emma E. Pullen
eepblackseeds@juno.com

Towne Street Theatre Revives Play Adaptation of the
Harlem Renaissance Novel "Passing"

LOS ANGELES: To close out its 10th year anniversary and celebrate both Black History Month and Women's History Month 2004, Towne Street Theatre, LA's premiere African American theater, will revive its adaptation of the Harlem Renaissance writer Nella Larsen's book "Passing" at the Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Boulevard.

As part of the revival, TST is inviting book clubs to read this 1927 novel and come see the show, which is stylish, sexy and suspenseful. Special discount rates will be given to bookclubs, as well as the opportunity for post show discussions.

Adapted by Playwright Sheri Bailey, "Passing" will be co-directed by TST co-founder actress Nancy Renee and actor/author Sy Richardson February 13 through March 21, 2004.

A child of a West Indian father and Dutch mother, Larsen writes first hand about racial identity class distinctions and equal access to the best in life based on race in the U.S. Even in the 21st Century, passing is still an issue in the African-American and many other communities whose members try to reflect the dominate culture for economic advancement and inclusion in society.

The issue of "passing" for a better life in American society is reflected in a recent movie, "The Human Stain," which stars Anthony Hopkins and Nicole Kidman. Hopkins plays a dean of classics at a prestigious university who is accused of using an offensive racial ephithet against two African American students. Everyone thinks he is Jewish. But the professor is actually a fair-skinned black man who decided to pass for white when he enlisted in the armed forces. He chooses to get fired from his job, rather than reveal his racial identity.

Always ahead of her time,in 1930, Larsen became the first African American woman to win the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for creative writing.

Towne Street Theatre's 1997 production of "Passing" garnered five NAACP theatre award nominations for Best Play, Best Playwright, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Costumes. TST Artistic/Producing Director Nancy Cheryll Davis won for Best Actress and Joan Francis for Best Costumes.

The play was subsequently performed in 1998 & 1999 to sold out houses. Davis will reprise her role of Clare and Francis is back on board for the 2004 production.

For more information about the revival of "Passing", and early ticket purchase discounts, please call the Towne Street Theatre at 213/624-4796, email info@townestreet.org or visit our website: www.townestreet.org.

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			PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Emma E. Pullen eepblackseeds@juno.com Towne Street Theatre Revives Play Adaptation of the Harlem Renaissance Novel "Passing" LOS ANGELES: To close out its 10th year anniversary and celebrate both Black History Month and Women's History Month 2004, Towne Street Theatre, LA's premiere African American theater, will revive its adaptation of the Harlem Renaissance writer Nella Larsen's book "Passing" at the Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Boulevard. As part of the revival, TST is inviting book clubs to read this 1927 novel and come see the show, which is stylish, sexy and suspenseful. Special discount rates will be given to bookclubs, as well as the opportunity for post show discussions. Adapted by Playwright Sheri Bailey, "Passing" will be co-directed by TST co-founder actress Nancy Renee and actor/author Sy Richardson February 13 through March 21, 2004. A child of a West Indian father and Dutch mother, Larsen writes first hand about racial identity class distinctions and equal access to the best in life based on race in the U.S. Even in the 21st Century, passing is still an issue in the African-American and many other communities whose members try to reflect the dominate culture for economic advancement and inclusion in society. The issue of "passing" for a better life in American society is reflected in a recent movie, "The Human Stain," which stars Anthony Hopkins and Nicole Kidman. Hopkins plays a dean of classics at a prestigious university who is accused of using an offensive racial ephithet against two African American students. Everyone thinks he is Jewish. But the professor is actually a fair-skinned black man who decided to pass for white when he enlisted in the armed forces. He chooses to get fired from his job, rather than reveal his racial identity. Always ahead of her time,in 1930, Larsen became the first African American woman to win the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for creative writing. Towne Street Theatre's 1997 production of "Passing" garnered five NAACP theatre award nominations for Best Play, Best Playwright, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Costumes. TST Artistic/Producing Director Nancy Cheryll Davis won for Best Actress and Joan Francis for Best Costumes. The play was subsequently performed in 1998 & 1999 to sold out houses. Davis will reprise her role of Clare and Francis is back on board for the 2004 production. For more information about the revival of "Passing", and early ticket purchase discounts, please call the Towne Street Theatre at 213/624-4796, email info@townestreet.org or visit our website: www.townestreet.org. # # #