TV Exclusive: Konversations with Keeme: A Self Defense Class

Fourteen year old Ajibola Tajudeen, better known as Keeme, is the host of New Paradigm Theatre's web series now in it's third season here on BroadwayWorld. "Konversations with Keeme" is show where Keeme interviews seasoned television and film professionals like Tamara Tunie of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Renee Lawless of Tyler Perry's The Have and the Have Nots, as well as Broadway veterans such as Emmy and Grammy winner, Paul Bogaev, and Broadway pros Christine Dwyer, Kelly Grant, Juwan Crawley and more.

The series follows Keeme's interviews as he receives advice on "the business", performing, and leadership from the pros in the performing arts industry. These interviews are directed and edited by 16 year old Jaden Bonfietti and are released weekly on BroadwayWorld.

New Paradigm Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre fostering creative problem solvers, leaders, and global citizens through theatre arts education and productions. This series is one of the ways that NPT features their outstanding Youth Board of directors (all the production and on-camera work is facilitated by our Youth with some guidance from our Pros). Artistic Director and Broadway veteran, Kristin Huffman says, "New Paradigm is a theatre with a social conscience. We produce events and shows that not only entertain with Broadway pros, but that also connect directly to our community and teach youth leadership.

This third seasons leads right up to NPT and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra's co-production of West Side Story! This season focuses on Norwalk and the pros and partners involved in this glorious production with full orchestra.

In response to the recent #metoo movement as well as a reflection of scenes in West Side Story, the producers of West Side Story (New Paradigm Theatre and Norwalk Symphony) organized a free two-hour self-defense workshop.

Short Sessions included:

• • "Be an Upstander" - led by stage director of West Side Story, Claire Kelly (artistic director of Shakespeare on the Sound)
  • RAD (rape, aggression, defense system) discussion by the Norwalk PD officer Lt. Roncinske
  • "Our Voices All Matter" led by Catlina Horak, Michelle Saldivar from partner nonprofit Building One Community.

Watch as Keeme and the folks who attended learn some great self defense moves and gained valuable information.

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