Harlem Stage is a performing arts center that celebrates and perpetuates the unique and diverse artistic legacy of Harlem and the indelible impression it has made on American culture. We provide opportunity, commissioning and support for artists of color, make performances accessible to all audiences, and introduce children to the rich diversity, excitement and inspiration of the performing arts.
In our nearly thirty years, we've hosted legends: Harry Belafonte, Max Roach, Bill Cosby, Abbey Lincoln, Maya Angelou and Tito Puente, and showcased and nurtured new genius....
Highlights of the organization's history include a 1990 Town Hall meeting with the newly released Nelson Mandela conducted by Ted Koppel and Nightline at the arts center; Danny Glover's presentation of his celebrated Romeo and Juliet; and tributes to Frank Foster. The Hall inaugurated the Harlem Renaissance Award honoring Harry Belafonte that year, Nancy Wilson and Maya Angelou, which brought renowned artists including Bill Cosby, Tony Bennett, Abbey Lincoln, Quincy Jones, Max Roach, Eddie Palmieri, Cassandra Wilson, Bill T. Jones and many others to the hall.
On October 24, 2006, Harlem Stage opened our new space, The Gatehouse, an event that marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the institution. To celebrate this milestone, we adopted a new identity-Harlem Stage-and launched three new programs for The Gatehouse: WaterWorks, Harlem Stride and Harlem Stage Partners.
EVENT LISTINGS for APRIL 2010
The main event at Harlem Stage this month is the 11th annual E-Moves dance series with two weekends of works by young choreographers of color and related offerings. Also, oft-sampled music legend Roy Ayers, who's collaborated with both Fela Kuti and Kanye West, gets a tribute in this month's "Uptown Nights" installment.
Friday, April 9 and Friday, April 16
E-MOVES 11 (Program One)
7:30 pm at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (at West. 135th St.)
Tickets: $20 at www.HarlemStage.org or 212.281.9240, ext. 19 or 20
Program one of this 11th annual festival featuring dance artists of color includes accomplished choreographer Ayo Jackson, who presents a world premiere and an existing piece, both performed by her company Les Libertines. Work by emerging talents includes world premieres by Miguel Anaya, Marguerite Hemmings, and Malcolm Low, and a work-in-progress by Paloma McGregor. Part of the E-Moves dance series. Presented by Harlem Stage.
Saturday, April 10
CARMEN AND GEOFFREY (2005) by Linda Atkinson
4:00 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (at West. 135th St.)
Tickets: $10 at www.HarlemStage.org or 212.281.9240, ext. 19 or 20
This film is about the work of American artists Carmen De Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder, who stepped forward in the 1950s to play a vital part in the newly energized world of modern dance. But also it is about a 47-year marriage and creative partnership that has sustained their collective and individual accomplishments. Over three years, Atkinson (a student of Carmen's) and Nick Doob filmed the virtually uninterrupted creativity of this couple, who are now in their seventies. Screening followed by Q&A with Holder, Atkinson and dance scholar Charmaine Warren, and a reception. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen and the E-Moves dance series. Presented by Harlem Stage and co-presented by Black Documentary Collective.
Saturday, April 10 and Saturday, April 17
E-MOVES 11 (Program Two)
7:30 pm at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (at West. 135th St.)
Tickets: $20 at www.HarlemStage.org or 212.281.9240, ext. 19 or 20
Program two of this 11th annual festival featuring dance artists of color includes choreographer Erick Montes, who presents a world premiere piece, as well as work from emerging talents Ja'Malik, Maurice chestnut, Lia McPherson & Desiree Godsell, and Ching-I Chang. Part of the E-Moves dance series. Presented by Harlem Stage.
Monday, April 12 **FREE Event**
TOUCHSCAPE: AN EMOTIONAL STRIPTEASE
7:30 pm at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (at West. 135th St.)
Free (reservations recommended), call 212.281.9240, ext. 19 or 20
Harlem Stage presents a work-in-progress reading of theater/movement artist James Scruggs' new performance piece. Touchscape is a raw, sensual, sexual collection of first-person monologues that explore men, their relationships with the sense of touch, and the dark world in which sexual outsiders find themselves. Part of the Harlem Stage Inside/Out program. Part of the E-Moves dance series. Presented by Harlem Stage.
