Merkerson, Dee, Etc. Set for New Federal Theatre Readings

An array of stars will take part in the upcoming New Federal Theatre events, featuring the work of playwrights Ntozake Shange and Amiri Baraka.

S. Epatha Merkerson will headline the theatre's reading of Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage, adapted by Shange (For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf).  The February 12th reading will be presented as part of a four-week celebration of Shange, which will begin on February 7th and will also include a production of the artist's It Hasn't Always Been This Way, directed and choreographed by Dianne McIntyre.  The latter show will run from February 21st through March 4th.

Before that, there will be a reading of short stories from Baraka's new book Tales of the Out and the Gone on Sunday, January 28 at the Henry Street Settlement's Abrons Center (466 Grand Street) at 3 PM.  It will feature Ruby Dee, Lee Gundersheimer, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Rome Neal, and David Shakes.  Baraka is the author of Slave Ship and Dutchman, which is currently playing at the Cherry Lane Theatre in a revival starring Dule Hill.

New Federal Theatre is currently presenting a revival of Ed Bullins' The Taking of Miss Janie.

Visit www.newfederaltheatre.org for more information.

Photo - S. Epatha Merkerson