Bed-Stuy Restoration Launches Restoration Art & Unveils Newly Renovated Billie Holiday Theatre

Forged in the kiln of the civil rights movement and birthed in the midst of urban decay, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (Restoration), founded in 1967, celebrates its 50th anniversary in Central Brooklyn, home to the largest Black community in the United States. With a deepened and renewed commitment to supporting revolutionary art makers and protecting sustainable art spaces, Restoration launches the dynamic 21st century creative complex: RestorationArt.

Redefining its role in the epicenter of Black culture, Restoration debuts a timely transformation of its Center for Arts and Culture - the cultural centerpiece of the nation's first community development corporation, to RestorationArt, a creative complex which seeks the voices of the community's disenfranchised and folds them in with those of world class artists to create new artistic works and community experiences, which tell the stories of the community in dance, music, theater, visual arts and conversation. RestorationArt is a community bastion where new works and new voices are discovered, created, nurtured, performed, and presented to community members from around the corner and the world.

The heart of this creative complex, the AUDELCO and Obie Award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre, founded in 1972 by Restoration, has just completed its first major renovation in 45 years and is opening its doors on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. The Billie Holiday Theatre has been a significant platform for many Black theater artists, including Samuel L. Jackson, Ruby Dee, Debbie Allen, Wendell Pierce, John Amos, Sonia Sanchez and more.

"The Billie Holiday Theatre was an important stepping stone for so many of us young Black actors back in the day, honing our acting chops," said acclaimed actor and film producer, Samuel L. Jackson. "I am thrilled to know that it is being preserved for the next generation of actors and theater artists."

RestorationArt also opens newly-converted ground floor rehearsal studios to complete an ecosystem of diverse creative expression, providing its programs, artists and arts institutions-in-residence state-of-the-art spaces to develop new works and engage the community in unique and meaningful ways.

Restoration's 50th anniversary year, 2017, began marked by uncertainty and an emerging national agenda that has left society's most vulnerable--from youth, women, and immigrants to people of color, Muslims and the LGBTQ community- anxious about deepening injustices and inequities. RestorationArt launches with bold, inspirational and necessary programming that spotlights, often marginalized communities and stories, providing a platform for the unrealized aspirations of thousands in Brooklyn and beyond.

"The Billie Holiday Theatre founded by Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation shares our belief in the power of dreams and the power of dreamers," stated Kevin Chavers, Chairman, Restoration Board of Directors. "The arts have always been a critical pillar in Restoration's 50-year narrative, and as we combine arts and culture with economic solutions, health and fitness, and our work with local entrepreneurs and the community, we are witnessing the true transformative impact of the arts on people's lives."

"RestorationArt is both a call and a response to artists and audiences alike to join us to explore, as well as to tackle, issues of inequality that are real and persistent in Central Brooklyn and in communities across the nation." said Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Executive Director of RestorationArt and the Billie Holiday Theatre. "RestorationArt launches with the full force of our 50-year commitment to serve on the front lines of social justice. The critical need for a creative complex of both artistry and equity at this moment in our nation's history is not lost on any of us."

Billie Holiday Theatre Renovation and New Rehearsal Studios

The newly-completed restoration has equipped the 200-seat Billie Holiday Theatre with new lighting, stage rigging, audio and visual equipment; an extended stage to accomodate dance performances; improved ADA accessibility; and the conversion of the 5,282 sq. ft. ground floor studios with sprung maple dance floors, walls of mirrors and large storefront windows where over one-million people who visit Restoration Plaza annually can witness art-in-motion. The studios will be home to the development of 21st century, cutting edge work that embraces the artistic and cultural topics and innovations of our time.

This extensive creative complex spans outdoor and indoor rehearsal and performance spaces, including six studios that are home to RestorationArt's Youth Arts Academy and the historic 2,000 sq ft Skylight Gallery that presents exhibits, talks, social events, films, and works-in-progress. These spaces will be made available for rental by commercial and nonprofit groups, as well as community organizations.

Programming Scope and Residences

RestorationArt is leveraging the renovation of the Billie Holiday Theatre and the new studio spaces to expand its artistic footprint beyond primarily theater to present a dynamic hub of year-round activity with dance, music, talks, screenings and classes. Programming will honor the revolutionary spirit of Restoration's origins, illuminate the diversity of Central Brooklyn audiences, and maintain accessibility through affordable ticket prices and free events. The newly-renovated theater and studios will be used by arts and culture programs and arts institutions at RestorationArt, including: the Billie Holiday Theatre to rehearse plays, as well as to present master classes, workshops and a full season of theatrical productions; the Youth Arts Academy to provide dance, drumming and theater classes and concerts for ages 3 - 18; arts institutions-in-residence Ronald K. Brown/Evidence and Frank Silvera Writers' Workshops to conduct rehearsals, develop new works and present community events; and ChoreQuest, a choreographer-in-residence program, in its 16th year, to grant 6 - 8 choreographers of African descent subsidized space and institutional support to host rehearsals, choreographic showcases and performances. RestorationART welcomes Cumbe: The Center for African and Diaspora Dance (Cumbe) as the newest arts institution-in-residence. Cumbe will be offering dance and drumming classes to Central Brooklyn adult community members, as well as toddler classes, throughout the year.

"Billie Holiday Theater and Restoration Plaza are at the heart of what makes Bed-Stuy such a vibrant community," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl. "With the launch of RestorationART, we look forward to a bigger profile for the cultural activities that take place at Restoration Plaza, especially now that its crown jewel - the historic Billie Holiday Theater - is re-opening its doors for eager audiences. The City is a proud supporter of the theater's renovation, and of the extraordinary programming that has made Restoration a community pillar over the last 50 years."

"Restoration Plaza has historically been the Black Town Square of Brooklyn," said Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy. "RestorationArt, Restoration's cultural heartbeat, is a vibrant destination with the Billie Holiday Theatre, Youth Arts Academy, the Skylight Gallery, as well as events and festivals all year long that bring thousands of community members together to reflect the diversity of Bed-Stuy and the world."

The key areas of future growth for the creative complex, RestorationArt include: educational and family programming for community members of all ages; an expanded multi-platform digital presence to better engage audiences from around the corner and around the world; the "green"ing and beautification of outdoor spaces to welcome community convenings; and capital upgrades of key art spaces, including the lobby of the Billie Holiday Theatre, the Skylight Gallery and Youth Arts Academy studios and offices. These enhancements will enable RestorationArt to better serve Central Brooklyn storytellers, creators and community members through our efforts.

SCHEDULE OF LAUNCH WEEK EVENTS

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit: www.restorationart.org

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Program

Tue, May 9 | 9:30am - Mingle and Mimosas | 10am - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Program

The Billie Holiday Theatre, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY

By Invite Only To inaugurate the newly-renovated Billie Holiday Theatre and to introduce new ground floor rehearsal studios, we present artists that embody a spirit of excellence, revolution and discovery, including award-winning poet and activist Sonia Sanchez (who performed in The Billie in 1972 when it opened and when admission was $2.00); MacArthur Genius Fellow and composer of the score from Selma, Jason Moran; renowned, multi-dimensional performing artist Alicia Hall Moran; and Tony Award-winner Roger Robinson. Following in the footsteps of Bedford Stuyvesant's own Stephanie Mills, we present 20-year old Shanice Williams who beat out hundreds of other young, gifted women to land the role of Dorothy in NBC's "The Wiz Live" viewed by millions. The master of ceremony for the ribbon cutting ceremony will be Terrance McKnight, WQXR Host.

Community Open House

Tue, May 9 - All Day

We open our doors and invite community members to join us for a dynamic and exciting day of community tours of the newly-renovated Billie Holiday Theatre and rehearsal studios, as well free dance classes and live music provided by the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium.

Free Community Tours | 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm and 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm and 7:30pm

Free Community Dance Classes

5:30 - 7pm | Cumbe: The Center for African and Diaspora Dance 7 - 8:30pm | Ronald K. Brown Community Class

THEATER | The Billie Holiday Theatre presents

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston: A Theatrical Reading

Directed by Tony Award-winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson; original music by Bill Sims, Jr.; and adapted by award-winning writer Arthur Yorinks

Fri, May 12 at 8pm and Sat, May 13 at 2pm and 8pm The Billie Holiday Theatre, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY

Join us for the first theatrical presentation in the newly-renovated Billie Holiday Theatre with the 80th Anniversary reading of Their Eyes Were Watching God helmed by the Tony Award-winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson who recently directed the critically acclaimed August Wilson's Jitney on Broadway. Their Eyes is the epic tale of Janie Crawford, whose search for self takes her on a journey that stretches across decades. Told with haunting sympathy and piercing immediacy, audiences are taken on a journey through life and love. Read by an acclaimed cast of actors with original compositions performed live by Bill Sims, Jr., this seminal novel in the American literary canon prompted Alice Walker to say, "There is no book more important to me than this one." Their Eyes Were Watching God Cast: Tony Award-winner Leslie Uggams (Roots, Hallelujah, Baby! on Broadway), Roslyn Ruff (Romeo and Juliet, Fences on Broadway), Brandon Dirden (All the Way, Jitney on Broadway), Harvy Blanks (Jitney on Broadway), Ray Anthony Thomas (Jitney on Broadway), Ebony Joann (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Gem of the Ocean on Broadway), Elain R. Graham (While I Yet Live, Primary Stages), Mandi Masden (Jitney on Broadway) and more.

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Fri, May 12 at 8pm

$65 ticket includes VIP seating for reading and access to post-show celebrity reception at the Skylight Gallery | Catered by Brooklyn's own Joloff Restaurant.

$40 ticket includes general seating to reading

Sat, May 13 at 2pm and 8pm

$40 ticket includes general seating | $30 student and senior citizens Ticketing Information at www.thebillieholiday.org and www.restorationart.org

PLAYWRIGHTING | 50in50: Writing Women into Existence

A partnership with Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop and the Billie Holiday Theatre

Curated by acclaimed playwright Dominique Morriseau

Sun, May 14 at 3pm (Mother's Day)

The Billie Holiday Theatre, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY

Fifty writers (all women and girls) have had their say, writing a short monologue in response to the powerful statement shaped by curator Morriseau which partially reads, "As Black Women writers, we fulfill a unique and un-duplicated role in theatre. We are telling the stories that represent us with balance and complexity and illuminate our side of the human experience." Join us for a groundbreaking event that places the diverse, rich and challenging perspectives of women and girls from all walks of life at the center. These stories will be read by an ensemble of women performers in an astounding 90-minute journey of truth, humor and strength.

Cast: Simone Missick (Luke Cage), Pauletta Washington (Beloved, NY Premiere of Autumn), Phyllis Yvonne Stickney (How Stella Got Her Groove Back) and more.

Tickets: $15 | Ticketing Information at www.restorationart.org

Brooklyn Celebrates Lynn Nottage
Monday, May 15, 2017
Reception: 6pm at the Skylight Gallery
Program: 7pm at the Billie Holiday Theatre

1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Free to the Public: RSVP Required

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams Celebrates Two-Time Pulitzer Prize-Winning Brooklyn Playwright Lynn Nottage.

Join us at the newly-renovated Obie and AUDELCO Award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre in partnership with 651 Arts, Our Time Press and BRIC Media to celebrate the historical moment in American Theatre, as Brooklyn's own Lynn Nottage receives her second Pulitzer prize for drama, the first woman to receive this prestigious award twice. This award was given for Nottage's "Sweat" now running on Broadway.
Hashtags: #RestorationArt and #BHT

For press information, please contact Barbara Bullard at bbullard@restorationplaza.org or 917-340-8707

CREDIT:

Capital Support for the renovation of the Billie Holiday Theatre was provided by the Office of the Mayor of the City of New York with the support of Mayor Bill de Blasio, Office of the Brooklyn Borough President with the support of Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, and New York City Council (District 36) with the support of Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy. The renovation of the Billie Holiday Theatre was made possible by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs with the support of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl and New York City Department of Design and Construction with the support of Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora, DDC Commissioner.

The renovation of the Billie Holiday Theatre would not be possible without the legacy support of former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; former Councilmember Al Vann (District 36); and former Assemblymember Annette Robinson.

Support for the renovation of and residency program for the new ground floor rehearsal studios was provided by New York State Economic Development Assistance Program with the support of Senator Velmanette Montgomery, New York Community Trust, and Mertz Gilmore Foundation. The renovation of the ground floor studios have been made possible by Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation's Assets Management Team.

Program Support for RestorationArt and the Billie Holiday Theatre is provided by New York Community Trust; The William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund; The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation; Robert Lehman Foundation; and Harkness Foundation for Dance.

RestorationArt and the Billie Holiday Theatre programs are made possible through funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs with support from Mayor Bill de Blasio; Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl; the New York City Council, Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy, and the Brooklyn Delegation of the Council; and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. Restoration would like to thank the Brooklyn Delegations of the New York State Assembly, Joseph R. Lentol, Delegation Leader; New York Senate, Senator Velmanette Montgomery; and Assemblymember Tremaine Wright.

The Billie Holiday Theatre, Inc. is a proud member of the Coalition of Theatres of Color.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

RestorationArt and The Billie Holiday Theatre are located at Restoration Plaza, 1368 Fulton Street (between New York Avenue and Brooklyn Avenue) in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York 11216. The new ground floor rehearsal studios are located at 247 Herkimer as part of Restoration Plaza (located adjacent to the celebrated Foodtown Grocery Store).

Subway: A, C to Nostrand Avenue; Long Island Railroad to Nostrand Avenue; B25 to Marcy Avenue and Fulton Street Stop; Commercial parking lot is located adjacent to 1368 Fulton Street.

Visit RestorationArt.org for information. For ticket information, call 718.636.6995 or visit RestorationArt.org and/or www.thebillieholiday.org

Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (Restoration), the nation's first community development organization, partners with area residents and businesses to improve the quality of life in long-blighted areas of Central Brooklyn. Our goals are to attract investment, improve the business climate, foster the economic self-sufficiency of families, enhance family stability, and promote the arts and culture. Through these activities, we seek to spur resident's economic stability and transform Central Brooklyn into a safe, vibrant place to live, work and visit. Restoration was founded in 1967 with the bipartisan support of New York Senators Robert Kennedy, Jr. and Jacob Javits.

RestorationArt (formerly branded The Center for Arts & Culture), the cultural centerpiece of Restoration, is a dynamic 21st century creative complex that is committed to folding our community into world-class artistic discovery and storytelling in dance, music, theater, visual arts and conversation in the epicenter of Black culture, Central Brooklyn. RestorationArt reaches a diverse audience of more than 40,000 annually through dance concerts and choreographic showcases, music festivals and salons, theater performances and a new works reading series, as well as talks & films; a Youth Arts Academy; the Skylight Gallery; institutions-in-residence, including the Billie Holiday Theatre, Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop, Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Cumbe: The Center for African and Diaspora Dance, Noel Pointer School of Music and Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy.

The Billie Holiday Theatre (The Billie), founded in 1972 by Restoration, is an OBIE and Audelco Award-winning theater devoted to the discovery of world-class storytelling with a focus on stories for, by and about people of African descent with 2-3 major productions annually. The Billie presents, promotes and sustains art that reflects the definitive issues of our time in and through all of its forms of expression, especially drama, and including jazz, opera, ballet, film, poetry, and other forms of intellectual and instructive entertainment; to produce and stimulate performances or theatrical productions of all kinds with a focus on, but not limited to the African American experience; and to commission and premiere original works.