BLACK MAGIC, Examining Orlando, Ferguson, and Black Lives Matter, Set for FringeNYC

Black Magic, a unique theatrical experience that explores the lives of seven slain black men in the era of Orlando, Ferguson, and Black Lives Matter, will receive its world premiere in the 2016 New York International Fringe Festival.

Black Magic was written by Tony Jenkins as an immediate response to current news stories concerning young black men and the Black Lives Matter movement. In a direct audience address, the characters confront their relationship with death, past love, the system that killed them, the men who pulled the trigger, the world at large, and themselves. Incorporating elements of spoken word poetry, dance, and clowning, Black Magic is the paradox of the African American experience: how we can disappear but still be here forever -- born, buried, and born again.

"This play gives space for the voices that we never hear," Jenkins explained to Gay City News. "These black men, after their deaths, are defined and criticized and picked apart by the news cycle and are never able to tell their own stories. Corpses aren't available for comment. The play argues that black lives are remarkable. That violence in the world is not the solution that lasts. That we are more connected than we allow ourselves to be. That sometimes we are the ones holding the gun. The play argues that love is the way. The play looks the audience in the eye and dares them to say otherwise."

Black Magic is written and co-directed by Tony Jenkins, who has toured nationally as a spoken word poet. As a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, he has engaged at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, The NAACP, The National At Risk Educators Conference, The NC Arts Council, Family Services, and beyond. He is currently serving as music director at the arts non-profit Authoring Action. His first play Baggage Claim premiered at Lincoln Center through the Lincoln Center Education Fellowship. He recently published his second book Write Me Back and is currently pursuing his BFA in acting at UNCSA.

Chessa Metz is the choreographer and co-director. Metz is recognized nationally as a competitive dancer; three-time finalist in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Musical Theatre Auditions; finalist in the 2016 National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) Musical Theatre Competition; 2016 Semans Grant Recipient; Alumus of the American Theatre Wing's SpringboardNYC Program; UNCSA Kenan Scholar; freelance choreographer and dance instructor.

The cast of Black Magic features Tony Jenkins, Justin Campbell, Malik Squire, Aaron Marshall --Bobb, Skyler James, Ibn Days and Evan Reiser.

Performances will be held on Friday, August 12 at 5pm, Monday, August 15 at 2pm, Wednesday, August 17 at 7pm, Friday, August 19 at 7:15pm, and Saturday, August 20 at 5:45pm. Black Magic will be presented at Soho Playhouse, located at 15 Vandam Street in New York City. Tickets ($18) are available by visiting www.blackmagicplay.wordpress.com.