Announcing Season Two of Black Theatre Matters dropping on February 3rd. A podcast seeking to begin a conversation around the issues of importance to Black Theatre and about Black Theatre. Simply put, Black Theatre Matters. Catch it.

Today, we're going to devote the majority of the show to an interview with Black Lives, Black Words founders Reginald Edmund and Simeilia Hodge-Dallaway. BLBW is an international is an artistic movement that spans across countries and continents, in which Black narratives are told by - and in complete control of - Black Artists with the mission in mind to empower all audiences. These two happen to be partners in life as well as the theatre as Reggie and Sim are married.

Welcome back! Here’s the rundown for today’s episode: In Segment #1 I'm going to answer last week’s Black Theatre trivia question and provide a little historical context. Then I'll give you this week’s question. In Segment #2 I will introduce this week’s Black Thought. This week’s quote by Audre Lorde best frames the theme of the episode. Finally, in Segment #3, I'm going to look at the recent protests for greater equity and inclusion in American society that have spilled over into the American Theatre.

Welcome to Black Theatre Matters. This is a podcast that seeks to begin a conversation you around addressing issues important to Black Theatre and about Black Theatre. Simply put, Black Theatre Matters. Today, on our inaugural episode I want to give you an idea as to what you can expect over the coming months. We’re going to start off with a Black Theatre trivia question. Next, we get some a Black thought. This is a quote or saying by an African American that frames the theme of the episode. Then, we’re going to look at some of the challenges as producers of live performance art in 2020 and dealing with a poorly managed national response to this pandemic. Finally, we’re going to close out by taking a moment to recognize the passing of my friend, Walter Dallas. Walter died on May 3rd from a long battle with pancreatic cancer. I’m still processing his death.

This is a teaser episode where I take a moment to explain how this podcast came to be. This is the beginning of a dialogue. I hope you will be a part of it. Ashé.