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.
Don’t Steal My Shine: ‘The Light’ online at Shotgun Players
Misogynoir is taken to task in Shotgun’s virtual production of Loy A. Webb’s breezy script.
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?!
Only a Fraction of an Idea: ‘An Octoroon’ at Berkeley Rep
Fine acting and great Berkeley Rep production values can’t save Branden Jabobs-Jenkins’ God-awful script.
Ebony Powers: ‘Manifesto’ at Brava
Rotimi Agbabiaka delivers another winning solo show satirizing race, sexuality, and hunger for fame.