STAGE TUBE: Rihanna Mash-Up Highlights Harlem Theatre Company's Commitment to Artists of Color
By: A.A. Cristi Dec. 09, 2016
The Movement Theatre Company, a Harlem-based nonprofit committed to showcasing emerging artists of color, releases a music video mashup featuring Rihanna's "Work" and "This Is What You Came For." The Movement's Rihanna-inspired holiday music video is a festive ode to all the "work" the company has produced in its almost 10 years of existence and highlights plans for future events in the coming year. The new music video emphasizes the company's commitment to artists of color and support for local Harlem businesses. It also raises awareness about The Movement's #holiDONATE fundraising campaign, which is one part of a larger goal to raise $100,000 by the end of their season. There will be an exclusive viewing party/holiday fundraiser Monday, December 12th from 6:30-9:30pm at Nabe Underground.
Through the witty lyrics of founding member Eric Lockley, the music video stresses the importance of representation of POC and LGBTQ+ voices in the American theatre, particularly in these uncertain times of political and social anxiety. The Movement believes artists of color need more platforms to be seen and heard and this music video publicly reaffirms the company's determination to build community and provide spaces for artists of color to make their voices heard. In addition to artists, The Movement is also dedicated to supporting local Harlem businesses; their new video showcases some of the businesses TMTC has a working relationship with, such as the Urban Garden Center and Studio 131.
When asked about the inspiration for the mashup, Producing Artistic Leader Deadria Harrington stated, "In this challenging political climate, The Movement is committed to being a resource for artists of color to engage with and explore their thoughts and emotional responses. When we shoot our music video for our year-end donor campaign, we always call on our artistic family to be a part of it in front of and behind the scenes. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community and support each other artistically. The Movement is determined to become a Harlem staple; through the support of our donors and artistic family, we're well on our way."
The Movement is no stranger to achieving success in helping emerging artists of color. Past successes include their breakout NY Times lauded production of Bintou, and their program Harlem Nights which has featured work by playwrights Christina Anderson (Aetna New Voices Fellow/Hartford Stage), Dominique Morriseau (Steinberg Playwright Award), and Harrison David Rivers (McKnight Fellow) and actors Danielle Brooks (Orange is The New Black, The Color Purple), Xosha Roquemore (The Mindy Project), and Mykal Kilgore (Motown, The Wiz: Live!).
About The Movement Theatre Company:
Founded in 2007 by graduates and students at NYU, The Movement Theatre Company is transforming the face of American theater by creating opportunities for artists of color to develop and produce work that highlights both the collective and diverse human experience.
The Movement Theatre Company Holiday Music Video Viewing Party
Monday, December 12th at 6:30pm
Nabe Harlem- 2367 Frederick Douglass Blvd & 127th St.
No cover charge.
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