Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer

August in August" is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of "Two Trains Running" will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

Bedford-Stuyvesant aka Bed-Stuy is a vibrant neighborhood with over 150,000 people in Brooklyn and in the City Council, the district is represented by Robert E. Cornegy Jr. of the 36th Council District. The selection of literary lion August Wilson as the main ingredient for this new and important cultural summer event is not by happenstance. Mr. Wilson was chosen as a homage to his enduring exploration of the life, times and journey of the community. Bed-Stuy has long been considered a cultural core for Brooklyn's African American population. August in August is a reaffirmation that Bed-Stuy is an artistic destination and provides residents with professional theater just outside their door. In the vein of Manhattan having the Central Park artistic experience of Shakespeare in the Park, Brooklyn will have August in August in various parks starting this summer.

August Wilson's Two Trains Running is set in the 1960's and places us in a time of racial disharmony, war, a nation fresh with tragedies and changes in the neighborhood. Many of the themes of Mr. Wilson's work echo today across America. The centerpiece of the play is a diner owned by a man named Memphis. The diner is not merely a place where people eat, in fact it is a gathering place for neighborhood news, speculation and dreams. Memphis is at a crossroads with his diner as he faces a choice of a selling to a questionable businessman or consenting for the government to obtain his property.

Joseph Grant Jr., the visionary for August in August thought it the bedrock of a conversation between artists and audience starting in 2016 and growing across the Brooklyn landscape. Two Trains Running like many of Mr. Wilson's plays gave voice to the voiceless and put neighborhood issues and everyday people on stages as never before.

August Wilson (Playwright) (born April 27, 1945, Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.-died Oct. 2, 2005, Seattle, Wash.) American playwright, author of a cycle of plays, each set in a different decade of the 20th century, about black American life. He won Pulitzer Prizes for Fences (1986) and The Piano Lesson (1990). Wilson's early years were spent in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, a poor but lively neighbourhood that became the setting for most of his plays. Primarily self-educated, he quit school at age 15 after being accused of having plagiarized a paper. He later joined the Black Arts movement in the late 1960s, became the cofounder and director of Black Horizons Theatre in Pittsburgh (1968), and published poetry in such journals as Black World (1971) and Black Lines (1972).

In 1978 Wilson moved to St. Paul, Minn., and in the early 1980s he wrote several plays, including Jitney (2000; first produced 1982). Focused on cab drivers in the 1970s, it underwent subsequent revisions as part of his historical cycle. His first major play, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, opened on Broadway in 1984 and was a critical and financial success. Set in Chicago in 1927, the play centres on a verbally abusive blues singer, her fellow black musicians, and their white manager. Fences, first produced in 1985, is about a conflict between a father and son in the 1950s; it received a Tony Award for best play. Wilson's chronicle of the black American experience continued with Joe Turner's Come and Gone (1988), a play about the lives of residents of a boardinghouse in 1911; The Piano Lesson, set in the 1930s and concerning a family's ambivalence about selling an heirloom; and Two Trains Running (1992), whose action takes place in a coffeehouse in the 1960s. Seven Guitars (1996), the seventh play of the cycle, is set among a group of friends who reunite in 1948 following the death of a local blues guitarist.

Subsequent plays in the series are King Hedley II (2005; first produced 1999), an account of an ex-con's efforts to rebuild his life in the 1980s, and Gem of the Ocean (first produced 2003), which takes place in 1904 and centres on Aunt Ester, a 287-year-old spiritual healer mentioned in previous plays, and a man who seeks her helP. Wilson completed the cycle with Radio Golf (first produced 2005). Set in the 1990s, the play concerns the fate of Aunt Ester's house, which is slated to be torn down by real-estate developers. Music, particularly jazz and blues, is a recurrent theme in Wilson's works, and its cadence is echoed in the lyrical, vernacular nature of his dialogue.

Wilson received numerous honours during his career, including seven New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards for best play. He also held Guggenheim and Rockefeller fellowships. Shortly after his death, the Virginia Theater on Broadway was renamed in his honour. Written by: The Editors of HYPERLINK "https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopdia-Britannica/4419"Encyclopædia HYPERLINK "https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopdia-Britannica/4419" Britannica

Andrea J. Fulton, (Producer), was born in Chicago and is the founder of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation also known as the Fulton Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting the performing arts aspirations of adults pursuing the arts later in life. She is a member of the Drama Guild and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). A graduate of Northwestern University, Andrea is a creative trailblazer and an inspiring business leader managing community organizations, her own investments and serving in New York City government for over thirty years. Her career as a respected playwright began when her truth-based play "One Drop" debuted to favorable reviews. It has since been performed dozens of times on stages in theater, college, community center, church and courtyard settings. Her dark comedy "Ugly is a Hard Pill" is an Audelco Award winner and is already in contract for production in March, 2017 in the new cultural Mecca oF Brownsville, Brooklyn. Her latest play "Roof-Top Joy" will be produced by Theater for the New City in April, 2017. Visit her website: abcFulton.org. Like her work on Facebook at Fulton Arts Foundation and write her at OneRightAnswer@gmail.com.

Sabura Rashid (Director) poet, playwright, fine artist, proud grandmother and adjunct instructor with CUNY is grateful for this opportunity to direct August Wilson's marvelous play. Thanks Brooklyn! Sabura's recent directing credits include "Mary & Eleanor," (L. Holder) & "One Drop" (A. Fulton). Future directing projects to include "Mary & Eleanor" and "Last Dust Tracks" by Laurence Holder, and an Orisha play by David D. Wright. Sabura is also busy writing new work for which she is always seeking producers. Her original plays include "Queens of Heart," "Greener Grasses," "Soul Fried Rice," "Zoo Boy," "Poole Party," "Gentrifried," and "Paradigm Shift."
"Big thanks to Andrea J. Fulton & The Fulton Arts Foundation and Crystal Field & TNC staff. Thank you to every one of the creative, talented cast & crew of TWO TRAINS RUNNING! Finally, thanks to my Mother, Mary Tierney, and Ms. Vinie Burrows for your special support and encouragement."

Denise Fair Grant, (Assistant Director), is an actress and Board Director for the Fulton Arts Foundation. Having started as an actress with the foundation, she was ultimately hand-picked by the Director as a result of her zest and resourcefulness as she quickly, easily and effectively stepped up to fill in for absent actors, would be on book and assist other actors and pretty much prove herself indispensable. Delighted to have started acting, however late in life, Denise continues to act and absolutely loves it. After being a teacher of "the little ones" in the New York City Public School system for 25 years, she is thrilled to have retired wherein she can focus on pursuing the art of acting more vigorously. To this end, she studies acting with renowned instructor and director Ward Nixon.

Illona S. Dixon, (Production Assistant), is an alumnus of the High School of Music & Art and Queens College. Ms. Dixon has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The New York Philharmonic, Radio City Music Hall, Avery Fisher Hall and Madison Square Garden and is a member of the All-City Concert Reunion choir. An accomplished pianist, she received formal training at The Brooklyn Music School and Playhouse. Credits include: Fame (original movie); The Wiz (original stage play); Guys and Dolls; Carmen; and Finian's Rainbow. She wrote one of the songs in the original version of One Drop and serves as the Musical Director and band leader for on various productions of One Drop. Ms. Dixon also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Fulton Art's Foundation.

Melissa Diaz, (Stage Manager), was born in Brooklyn and began performing at age five as a dancer. By the age of 10 she was well engaged in musical theater. Always intrigued by television and movies and the processes needed to create them, at 18, Melissa began to familiarize herself with all aspects of production: (lights, sound direction, stage management, acting, camera work and writing). She then gained a goal of one day owning her own Production Company for both film and theater. Still only in her mid- twenties, Melissa feels her dreams are already well underway as the co-owner of up and coming Production Company TruLuvEntertainment with Carleton King. Together they recently wrote and produced a play based on their web series "Why not just tell the truth?", among other projects.

Carolyn Adams, (Costume, Hair & Make-Up Designer), studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Harlem Institute of Fashion and Forty Acres And A Mule Film Works. Theatre Credits include: DUTCHMAN by Amiri Baraka, Dir. Woodie King, BLACK WALL STREET, By Celeste Bedford Walker, Dir. Michael Green, WHISTLE IN MISSISSIPPI, The Emmit Til Story by, Michael Green, Nat King Cole: I Got The Last Laugh! The Life and Times Of Jackie "Moms" Mabley, The Price Of The Ticket, By M. Younger Roberts, produced by Garland Lee Thompson & The H.A.D.L.E.Y Players; Sweet Mamma Stringbeans, Dir. Elizabeth Van Dyke, Mr. Hirsch Died Yesterday, Dir. By Woodie King, Jr., Produced By, Jessica Massad & Castillo Theater. Carolyn is also a Fashion Stylist, Costume & Image Consultant, Wardrobe Supervisor & Technician, Personal Shopper and a noted Millinery Designer. As a Fashion & Wardrobe Stylist, she is the recipient of the, American Photo Magazine and Elle Girl Magazine's Fashion, Costume and Wardrobe Stylist Of The Year Award. Television credits: The Essence Awards, The Children's Choice Awards and Uptown Fashion Avenue. Carolyn's, Private clients, video and TV credits include:Actor/comedian, Phyllis Y. Stickney, Teddy Riley & Blackstreet, Cuba Gooding, Sr., "I thank GOD for all my Blessings and Clifton King, my family, and friends for their support. I am honored to be working with Sabura Rashid, Andrea Fulton, along with the entire cast and crew of "Two Trains Running".

Akila AfreKhan, (Set Designer), literally grew up on a stage. Her first performance was at age five at the Queen's Hall stage in Trinidad and Tobago. She has been in choirs singing, playing percussion and guitar which she learned by ear. The Parang group "Por Gusto" was formed on her back porch where she was a cuatro, flute and percussion player. She subsequently played with numerous groups and became a highly utilized steel pan player, African drummer and professionally trained dancer. She has long been a visual artist, aspired to be a sign painter and also has worked as a scenic artist, set designer, and theatre technician. She earned a B.F.A in Graphic Design at F.I.T. and a Master's Degree in Set Design and Technical Theatre Production from Brooklyn College, as well as certification as a Teaching Artist at CUNY. She now works as a Visual Arts/Scene Design Teacher for the D.O.E. She also works as an ESL teacher and as a Teaching Artist wherein she teaches children in elementary through high school, the magic of Art, how to play the Steel Pan, Drums and Percussion. She also makes time to teach Art, Steel Pan and Drums on a volunteer basis to children in her neighborhood.

Malik J. Ali, (Memphis), is a native of Arlington, Texas. Theatre credits include Ghetto Babylon, Hamlet, A Raisin in the Sun and Fences. His Televison and Film credits include Boardwalk Empire and the upcoming short film Jump. Last but not least, he would like to thank his family for their endless amounts of love and support.

Guy Y. Barfield, (Wolf), is a native Brooklynite who began in the performing arts by playing in the band assembled for the stage play One Drop. He began a love affair with music when he learned the Bugle as a Boy Scout. Guy admits he carries his Harmonica to Church and can't resist chiming in with the Choir. His sensitive ear helped "One Drop" keeps its beat. His passion caused him to cultivate not only his own interests but also those of his children wherein they have become successful in music and theatre. His curiosity and ambition later landed him non-speaking parts in other Fulton Foundation plays. He is honored now to make a debut in his first speaking part. And it's not a small one.

Tracey Remarais, (Risa), landed this gig while she coincidentally was in the right place at the right time while unbeknownst to her, casting was happening. She asked to audition, impressed the casting agents on the fly and voila! She is 26 years old and from Queens Village, New York. A student at City College, she is a senior majoring in Theatre. She has appeared in Lysistrata, As Yu Like It, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. She is also an aspiring playwright working on her own original work.

De'Marcus Woods, (Holloway), was born in Houston, Texas and is the second oldest of six children. Having the privilege to act has provided him the opportunity to express myself, and help find my voice. Acting affords him the ability to creatively express the ills and wonders of this world in a manner that would lead to a healthy dialogue about various social issues. I'm hopeful in that the dialogue would create understanding, and understanding would lead to respect. And of that respect, it would lead to empathy and compassion for one another, and that would lead to love.

Munang Scott Nanji, (Sterling), is thrilled to make his acting debut doing such a prominent work. He moved from Pittsburgh, PA almost a year ago as he set out to pursue his dream of pursuing acting. He has studied at the Neighborhood and Acting Studio Playhouse and is currently studying acting under Ward Nixon, founder of TCA Acting Studios in New York City. He is looking forward to doing more plays here in New York.

Carleton King, (Hambone), was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. This young talent started as a rapper, singer, songwriter but realized in High School that his heart lied elsewhere. Never losing his love for music, King chose to stretch the limbs of his other talents. Now with music videos, numerous plays, and a film under his belt, his Production Company Tru Luv Entertainment is not only taking shape but its flagship web series "Why Not Just Tell The Truth" made its theatrical debut recently. When not acting, Carleton can be seen hosting the new Urban Christian talk show Gifted & Uplifted airing Sunday mornings. Giftedanduplifted.tv for more info.

M. James Ealy, (West), hails from West Palm Beach, FL via Indiana. He has studied acting at Cornell University, AIA Studios and Harlem Theatre Company. After over a decade hiatus from New York stages, he returned in 2012. He has been gaining momentum ever since. He dedicates his performances in this piece to all of his male cousins, brothers, uncles and friends who constantly inspire his characters to live bravely and truthfully.

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