Playwright and director Psalmayene 24 discusses his career trajectory from his unique approach to theater, his recent direction of the world premiere of Tempestuous Elements at Arena Stage and his upcoming projects, including his current direction of Metamorphosis at the Folger Theatre. We talk about his journey from dance to theater, first as an actor and eventually to … [Read more...] about Playwright and Director Psalmayene 24: Staging Stories
African American
Meet Gary Bartz: Saxophonist and 2024 NEA Jazz Master
In this tuneful podcast, 2024 NEA Jazz Master Saxophonist Gary Bartz talks about his life and career, touching on his roots, influences, collaborations, and the philosophical underpinnings that have guided his artistic journey. Born in Baltimore in 1940, Gary's musical journey began in a segregated America, where he found music to be a universal language that could transcend … [Read more...] about Meet Gary Bartz: Saxophonist and 2024 NEA Jazz Master
Revisiting Isabel Wilkerson, Author and 2015 National Humanities Medalist
In honor of Black History month, we’re revisiting this 2011 conversation with author and 2015 National Humanities Medalist Isabel Wilkerson In this tuneful podcast, Wilkerson discusses her acclaimed book "The Warmth of Other Suns," exploring the profound impact of the Great Migration on American culture. This migration saw six million African Americans relocate from the rural … [Read more...] about Revisiting Isabel Wilkerson, Author and 2015 National Humanities Medalist
Screenwriter and Director Cord Jefferson discusses his critically acclaimed film, “American Fiction”
We catch up with director/writer Cord Jefferson whose film ”American Fiction” has been nominated for five academy awards (Best Picture, Best adapted screenplay (Jefferson), best actor (Jeffrey Wright), best supporting actor (Sterling K. Brown and best score (Laura Karpman). Not bad for the first-time director—albeit one with a rich resume as a Emmy Award winning television … [Read more...] about Screenwriter and Director Cord Jefferson discusses his critically acclaimed film, “American Fiction”