Arts and Culture
Black Repertory Group Future in Peril, Seeks Community Support
Founded in 1964 in the basement of Progressive Baptist Church, the Black Repertory Group (BRG) moved to a storefront at 1719 Alcatraz until the Black community, led by members of Downs Memorial Church, reached deep into their pockets, and, with the help of the City of Berkeley, built their theater on Adeline St. BRG had two missions: to serve underprivileged, underserved and minority populations and perform the works of Black playwrights.
Part II
By Tanya Dennis
Founded in 1964 in the basement of Progressive Baptist Church, the Black Repertory Group (BRG) moved to a storefront at 1719 Alcatraz until the Black community, led by members of Downs Memorial Church, reached deep into their pockets, and, with the help of the City of Berkeley, built their theater on Adeline St.
BRG had two missions: to serve underprivileged, underserved and minority populations and perform the works of Black playwrights.
Established by founders Birel and Nora Vaughn and continued by their daughter, Dr. Mona Scott and grandson, Sean Scott, BRG used theater as a platform to address social issues oppressing the Black community while elevating Black art, music and advocacy.
BRG was instrumental to the African American community to address such issues as:
- Human trafficking
- Health Education Through Theater (HETT) programs
- HIV/AIDS prevention programs and services
- A youth Tutorial and Cultural Enrichment program (TACE)
- Summer day camp drama programs for at-risk youth and children with disabilities
- The Transformation Festival, which celebrated the healing of trauma through the performing arts
- Partnerships with the World of Work projects to provide at-risk youth on-the-job training, anti-violence and recidivism reduction programs targeting at-risk youth and adults
- A three-year partnership with Rome Neal of the Nuyorican Theatre, resulting in his award-winning “Monk,” a one-man dramatization of the life of Thelonious Monk and Neal’s “Banana Puddin’ Jazz Meets Sweet Potato Jazz.”
In addition to staging over 50 plays by Black playwrights, the Black Rep. has hosted political townhalls, book launches, comedy shows and is currently in discussion with Dr. Vileen Shah of the East Bay School for the Blind to write and collaborate in the production of a documentary, “Vileen’s Vision,” about Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system that allowed blind and visually impaired individuals to read through touch.
Despite BRG’s legacy and history, theater administrator Sean Scott alleges that the City of Berkeley is reneging on its $25,000 annual pledge to the Black Rep for upkeep and maintenance and they are now in litigation with the city over unpaid fees despite the city recently touting a reparations program for African Americans.
Scott is reaching out to supporters of the theater, requesting they write letters to Mayor Jesse Arreguin and Berkeley City Councilmember Ben Bartlett, who, Scott believes, have no clue how instrumental BRG has been to the development of Black culture in the City of Berkeley. He is asking that BRG not only be allowed to continue their work but to purchase the theater building currently owned by the city.
“Councilman Bartlett is not representing us, he is not on the same page” as us, said 89-year-old Berkeley resident Ms. Ritchie Smith, who was interviewed while cleaning up in front of the BRG building.
“I’ve known the Black Rep. since its infancy, when they were in the basement of Progressive church across the street from where I live,” Smith said. “I’m not giving up on this, I’m out here fighting, picking up trash on Fairview right now. This theater will not disappear!
“Too many people put their blood, sweat and tears into the Black Rep. for that love to be ignored and dismissed. We got to unite on this. Black folks better do something before we lose everything.”
Concerned citizens may send letters of concern to Mayor Jesse Arreguín at mayor@berkeleyca.gov, Councilman Ben Bartlett at bbartlett@berkeleyca.gov and City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley manager@berkeleyca.gov.
Art
Mayor Breed, Actor Morris Chestnut Attend S.F.’s Indie Night Film Festival
On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco. San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.
By Y’Anad Burrell
On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco.
San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.
A weekly celebration of cinematic artistry designed to elevate emerging talent while providing a platform for networking and collaboration, entrepreneur Dave Brown created Indie Night to bridge gaps within the filmmaking community by fostering connections between like-minded individuals worldwide. The Indie Film Festival currently has over 450 film submissions worldwide, and its cinematic vault only continues to grow.
The festival showcased over 10 short films and trailers, and featured Faces of the “City: Fighting for the Soul of America,” produced by veteran actor Tisha Campbell. This film is about the vibrancy and legacy of San Francisco. The festival also previewed “When It Reigns,” a trailer by Oakland’s burgeoning filmmaker Jamaica René.
Indie films have not just challenged traditional cinematic norms; they’ve shattered them. These films offer unique storytelling perspectives and push creative boundaries in truly inspiring ways. With their smaller budgets and independent spirit, they often tackle unconventional subjects and portray diverse characters, providing a refreshing alternative to mainstream cinema. As a result, indie films have resonated with audiences seeking an escape from formulaic blockbusters and are increasingly celebrated for their authenticity and originality.
Organizers say the mission of Indie Night is to elevate the craft of independent artists and creators. It also provides a venue for them to showcase their work, network, and exchange information with new and established creatives. It creates a community that values and supports independent art.
For more about the Indie Night Film Festival, visit www.indienightfilmfestival.com.
Arts and Culture
Point Richmond Music Unveils Summer Concert Series Lineup
If the first performer set for Point Richmond’s Summer Music Festival is any indication, the concert series has some fantastic tunes in store for local concertgoers. The one and only Fantastic Negrito will kick off the concert series Friday, June 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.-ish with his unique blend of blues, R&B, soul and roots music.
By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond Standard
If the first performer set for Point Richmond’s Summer Music Festival is any indication, the concert series has some fantastic tunes in store for local concertgoers.
The one and only Fantastic Negrito will kick off the concert series Friday, June 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.-ish with his unique blend of blues, R&B, soul and roots music.
The artist, who was born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, had a serious early-career car crash that damaged his guitar playing hand. But he rose above it to reemerge as the rebranded “Fantastic Negrito” in 2014, earning multiple accolades — including multiple Grammys — upon his musical rebirth, according to his bio.
Negrito’s current album is “White Jesus Black Problems,” called by his website “an exhilarating ode to the power of family and the enduring resilience of our shared humanity.”
Point Richmond’s Summer Music Festival has two more concerts lined up as well, starting with the “swampy tonk” sounds of Miracle Mule on Friday, July 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Also performing that night will be Lorin Rowan + the Deep Blue Jam, featuring Americana, rock, roots, and reggae tunes from 6:45 to 8 p.m.-ish.
The concert series’ final performances occur Friday, Aug. 23, when Van Goat rocks out from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by the Latin, Venezuelan and Caribbean vibes of Bululú from 6:45 to 8 p.m.-ish.
In addition to dancing in the street to the music, Point Richmond’s many restaurants will be open during the concerts, along with face painting for the kids and art by The Arts of Point Richmond.
The concert series is organized by Point Richmond Music. Find the concert venue at the corner of Park Place and Washington Avenue in Point Richmond.
Art
El Cerrito Calls for Artists to Transform Its Utility Boxes
The City of El Cerrito’s Arts & Culture Commission is seeking individual artists, teams of artists or community groups to apply for its “2024 Utility Box Public Art Program.” The project is a beautification initiative designed to add to the vibrancy of the San Pablo Avenue corridor by having community artists transform unsightly utility boxes into attractive works of art, according to the City.
By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond Standard
Do you have an idea for beautifying urban public spaces with your art? If so, this initiative might be perfect for you.
The City of El Cerrito’s Arts & Culture Commission is seeking individual artists, teams of artists or community groups to apply for its “2024 Utility Box Public Art Program.” The project is a beautification initiative designed to add to the vibrancy of the San Pablo Avenue corridor by having community artists transform unsightly utility boxes into attractive works of art, according to the City.
This program’s theme is “Artwork that Celebrates El Cerrito’s Natural Beauty and Environment,” and any artist/team/community group residing in Contra Costa County can apply. The boxes, including one main utility box and a smaller traffic signal box adjacent to each other, are located at Ashbury and Fairmount Avenues, next to Harding Elementary School in El Cerrito.
A $2,500 stipend is offered for each utility box completed and the application is due Friday, June 14, at 4 p.m. Work on the boxes begins Aug. 5, with work to be completed by Sept. 6.
To date, eight utility boxes have been painted by local artists as part of the initiative throughout 2021 to 2023. Artists including Adaleyd DeLeon, Kristen Kong, Shanna Strauss, Martial Yapo, Jesse White and Ricardo Cerezo have been selected by the city to beautify utility boxes with their art since the program’s inception.
Questions? Contact Will Provost at 510-215-4318 or wprovost@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Applications can be submitted online https://el-cerrito.org/1522/Utility-Box-Public-Art-Program
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