Okay, at best: ‘Una Great Movie’ – 2021 SF Indiefest
Jennifer Sharp’s Hollywood satire is two interesting films that make up a single uneven film.
Not Worth the Silver: ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’
The gripping true story of Fred Hampton’s final days gets a dull adaptation that does the story no justice.
Still Rockin’ after All these Years: ‘The Story of Lovers Rock’ (2011) at NY ADIFF
Not the Steve McQueen film, but the 2011 documentary that first brought the Black British genre to light.
Belated Black History Month Double-Feature: ‘The Last Sermon of Sister Imani’ by TheatreF1rst and ‘Her Portmanteau’ at ACT
In which I catch up with two brand new Bay Area shows based exclusively around Black women.
Of ‘Rags’ and Richies: ‘Ragtime’ at Berkeley Playhouse
Though the script is over-packed with characters, the combination of great direction, performances, and tech make this another winner for Berkeley Playhouse.
I saw ‘Black Panther’ last night and My Life is Better for it (My Non-Spoiler Review)
Black Panther isn’t “a hero who happens to be Black”. Rather, Black identity is central and crucial to the story of his fantastic first MCU solo film.
Far ‘Too Proud’ of Itself: ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ world premiere at Berkeley Rep
The sets are amazing and the songs are classics, but Dominique Morisseau’s truncated script shortchanges its subjects in this Berkeley Rep world premiere musical.
Wandering All Over: ‘black odyssey’ at Cal Shakes
Marcus Gardley’s play is so close to perfection that it’s enough to drive you crazy that it doesn’t quite get there.
‘Hidden’ Talents
These unsung figures of get an entertaing (if clichéd) film interpretation.
Ebony Powers: ‘Manifesto’ at Brava
Rotimi Agbabiaka delivers another winning solo show satirizing race, sexuality, and hunger for fame.