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.
A Great Undertaking: ‘The Passing On’ – 2021 SF Indiefest
This fascinating hour-long documentary highlights the art (and necessity) of being an independent Black mortician in an increasingly gentrified world.
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.
Too Many Half-Notes: ‘Sylvie’s Love’
Writer-director Eugene Ashe is far too in love with his own style to create any real love between his two leads.
Black America’s waiting, Justin Timberlake… (UPDATED w/ Feb. 2021 Britney “apology”)
If any white celeb owes us an apology, it’s the so-called “prince of pop”.
UPDATE: you call THAT an apology?!
Inside-Out: My 2019 in Bay Area Theatre
No “Best Of” yet, but here are some emotional ponderances on the decade-ending year that was.
Sinks in later innings: ‘Testmatch’ World Premiere at ACT
The messy legacy of cricket and British colonialism is the focus of Kate Atwell’s fun-but-messy new play.
Super ‘Model’: ‘Model Minority Report’ by Killing My Lobster
Asian stereotypes get skewered in this hilarious new show by an all-Asian crew at KML.
Dark Skin Don’t Bruise: ‘Inked Baby’ Bay Area Premiere by Crowded Fire Theater
Christina Anderson’s examination of Black bodily autonomy is wonderfully realized by Crowded Fire.
Ebony Powers: ‘Manifesto’ at Brava
Rotimi Agbabiaka delivers another winning solo show satirizing race, sexuality, and hunger for fame.