The 15th Annual Sankofa Theatre Festival

**2024 SANKOFA THEATRE FESTIVAL**

**Bringing Life to the Stage**

**Rochester, NY** – The MMB Theatre 1 Project proudly presents the 15th Annual **Sankofa Theatre Festival**, set to light up the stage at the MuCCC Theater, 142 Atlantic Ave, Rochester, NY, from **Tuesday, August 20 through Saturday, August 24, 2024**. Experience the magic of live theater with evening performances at 7:30 PM and special matinee shows on **Saturday, August 24** and **Sunday, August 25** at 2:00 PM.

Admission options include:

- **All Week Pass:** $49.98

- **Online:** $17

- **At the Door:** $25

Purchase tickets at [www.muccc.org](http://www.muccc.org). Remaining tickets will be available at the door one hour before each performance.

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### **What to Expect at the 2024 Sankofa Theatre Festival**

We are thrilled to announce the talented playwrights featured in this year's festival, including **Rudy Valentino, and **Karen D. Culley**. The Sankofa Theatre Festival, now in its 15th year, continues its mission of elevating local voices and creating a platform for new and seasoned artists to shine. Through powerful performances, heartfelt tributes, and insightful discussions, we aim to inspire both audiences and creators alike.

Join us as we celebrate the richness of our community's artistic talent and support the next generation of theater-makers. Here's a look at this year's exciting lineup:

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**2024 Sankofa Theatre Festival Lineup**

- **8/20 Tuesday, Day One – Opening Night** 

*A James Baldwin Tribute* 

*Playwright Legacy Award

*Love is Life* by Rudy Valentino

The Sankofa Theatre Festival is hosting a special tribute to James Baldwin in honor of his 100th birthday. The festival will feature readings and enactments of Baldwin's work, and the first-ever Sankofa Playwright Legacy Award will be presented to Laura A. Thomas. The festival's first one-act play, "Levels of Love," follows the emotional journey of a couple, Philly and Chelsa, as they navigate the complexities of love from their initial meeting, through highs and lows, to a touching reenactment of their first meeting.

- **8/21 Wednesday, Day Two** 

*[Two One-Act Plays]* 

*The Past is the Past* by Richard Wesley 

*Sankofa-Words and Rhythms from Beyond by Spoken Word artists

The Past is the Past" by Richard Wesley is a captivating play that delves into the complexities of history and personal choices. It invites audiences to reflect on the repercussions of past decisions and the enduring influence of history on our present realities. Join us for an evening of powerful theater that will resonate long after the final curtain call.

- **8/22 Thursday, Day Three** 

*The Past is the Past* by Richard Wesley 

*Sankofa-Words and Rhythms from Beyond by Spoken Word artists

[Description Above]

"Sankofa: Words and Rhythms from Beyond" offers a powerful journey through the lyrical landscapes crafted by literary giants and contemporary spoken word artists. Join us for an unforgettable evening where the past and present converge in a harmonious celebration of words and rhythms.

- **8/23 Friday, Day Four** 

*[Featured Playwright]* 

*Incorrigible* by Karen D. Culley

In "Incorrigible," we explore the harrowing realities of the school-to-prison pipeline through the poignant stories of three young men navigating life as adults in the 1990s. This play sheds light on the impact of systemic challenges and circumstances beyond one's control, serving as a compelling exploration of difficult life trajectories.

- **8/24 Saturday Afternoon, Day Five** 

*[Youth Staged Reading]* 

*Young, Gifted and Black* by Lorraine Hansberry

Young, Gifted, and Black is a stage play celebrating the life and work of Lorraine Hansberry, the trailblazing African American playwright. The play weaves together Hansberry's writings—autobiographical reflections, letters, and excerpts from her works to explore themes of racial identity, activism, and feminism.

- **8/24 Saturday Night, Day Five** 

*[Featured Playwright]* 

*Incorrigible* by Karen D. Culley

[Description on Friday's Performance]

- **8/25 Sunday Afternoon, Day Six** 

*[StageCraft Fellowship Program Culminating Event]* 

*Monologues on Clarissa Street* by Karen D. Culley

Many African-Americans escaping the domestic terrorism of the South found refuge in Rochester, NY, particularly on Clarissa St. This street became a hub for thriving jazz, faith, and nightlife communities, and the story is captured in "Monologues on Clarissa Street". The area was known as Rochester's Broadway and provided a sense of solace for African-Americans during the New Negro or Harlem Renaissance movement until the early 1970s. The monologue covers events and places such as The Pythodd, LaRue's Restaurant, and Dan's Tavern, offering a glimpse into the past.

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**About MMB Theatre 1 Project** 

For more information on the MMB Theatre 1 Project and its mission, visit [mpactoday.com](http://www.mpactoday.com).

URLs:
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/2588277-2?pid=91
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/2588277-3?pid=91

Prices:
Online-General Admission: USD 17.00,
Door-General Admission: USD 25.00,
All Week Pass: USD 49.98

Artists: Reuben J. Tapp, Karen D. Culley, Anderson Allen, David Shakes, Rudolph Valentino, Wayne Stewart, Manuel Tapp, R. Josiah Tapp, Kesha Sharee, Kat Rina Davis, Afi Be, G Oddess Bliss , Elani Williams, Doug Curry