Michael Washington Brown to Bring One-Man Show BLACK! to Athenaeum Theatre

Michael Washington Brown, in association with Athenaeum Theatre Productions, present "BLACK!," July 20 - 30, in Studio 2 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. Opening night is Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.The running time is 100 minutes including a 10-minute intermission. Tickets are $25 and available at AthenaeumTheatre.org or 773.935.6875.

Brown, was born in England and created "BLACK!" in 2016. The production has been included in the Asheville Fringe Festival, the FRIGID Fringe Festival in New York City and the Seattle Fringe. It will be performed at the Tempe Center for the Arts and the San Francisco Fringe Festival in September 2017.

In "BLACK!," Brown inhabits an array of characters from Africa, the United States, England and Jamaica, performing each person's individual perspective and sharing his experiences. The production highlights the nuances and life perspectives of various people who are from the Black global community. Many stereotypes currently exist which seem to 'mesh' all blackpeople and their stories together. The truth is that there are distinct differences and very definite similarities between Blackpeople from all walks of life. In addition, each carries their own distorted and often exaggerated opinions about the other, which is a way to distinguish a separation, even though in truth, they are more alike than they believe. "BLACK!" uses the power of language and performance to delve into these characters to reflect on this communities' history and their future as well as what they do and do not share of the global Black experience.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share this show, its voices and a global 'Black' perspective with the Chicago community," Brown said. "Chicago is embedded in a rich history filled with a melting pot of cultures, along with its extensive support of the theatre and arts. It is my mission and purpose to share this show as far and wide as I can. Chicago is an obvious choice in my journey...I am grateful to have the Athenaeum Theatre, supporting my debut of "BLACK!" in this vibrant and intoxicating city, " he concluded.

Michael Washington Brown was born in London, England. He is the first generation born outside of his family's direct heritage of the Caribbean (Jamaica & Barbados). In 1992 at 19, he left London for the shores of California, a place he fell in love with from his initial visit as a child at age 10. He knew even at this young age that he would 'one day' make America his home.

In 1994, he began studying scene classes in San Francisco and knew instantly what he wanted to do and be...an actor. He gradually found himself working his way up the local scene and then eventually performing in productions at: The Magic Theatre, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Marin Theatre Company and Berkeley Repertory Theatre. He moved to New York City to continue his journey and landed a variety of New York City productions that began at the Ensemble Studio Theatre. Theatre has always been Brown's passion, but deep down he always felt there was 'more to give'. Brown wanted to tell stories that were not being told. It was at the Cherry Lane Theatre in 2012 when he saw a one-man show and was inspired beyond anything he had previously experienced. He realized in this moment what his 'more to give' would be: "To write and share my own stories and perspective." Brown discovered that his love of reading had laid the foundation and allowed the ease of his own voice, to reveal itself to him.

Athenaeum Theatre Productions, a not-for-profit 501c3 arts organization, is firmly committed to providing the Chicago non-profit performing arts community a welcoming shared space to incubate new projects and collaborations by providing high quality and below cost performance, rehearsal, office and reception space supported by a staff of theatre professionals. Founded in 1911, the Athenaeum Theatre is Chicago's oldest, continuously operating off-loop theatre. Home to 15 not-for-profit performing arts groups and four stages including its 984-seat main stage.

Michael Washington Brown, in association with Athenaeum Theatre Productions, present "BLACK!," July 20 - 30, in Studio 2 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. Opening night is Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The running time is 100 minutes including a 10-minute intermission. Tickets are $25 and available at AthenaeumTheatre.org or 773.935.6875.

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