Black American Working Woman‬ | The Danger of Hope‬ at Episcopal Actors' Guild

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2. Black American Working Woman‬ | The Danger of Hope‬

The Episcopal Actors’ Guild is proud to welcome Good Light Productions to Guild Hall (1 East 29th Street, NYC 10016) with the Manhattan premiers of two powerhouse plays focused on Black women’s stories: Black American Working Woman and The Danger of Hope. Presented in partnership with EAG's Open Stage Grant, performances begin on July 25th with Black American Working Woman and the shows will be playing in rep through August 4th. (See the detailed performance schedule below.) Tickets are available at bit.ly/BAWWTix or by calling 313-977-1884.

Black American Working Woman, written by Paula Ralph Birkett, centers on Tamika L. Johnson’s struggle to embrace positive self-perception which holds her back from her entrepreneurial dreams. She is led by negative influences and vacant esteem that reach back to her ancestry until the history that is running through her veins moves her to do the unthinkable. On the run from her actions and herself, Tamika fights to break free of the ties that bind her greatness and eventually leaves the plantation in her mind. This production, directed by Carolyn Harrison, will star Chinelo Okpala (University of Washington MFA Acting graduate), and newcomers Dana Jackson, Kennedy Campbell, Derrica Kearney. This project is supported in part by the Bronx Council on the Arts' Bronx Cultural Visions Fund, a Howard Gilman Foundation Award.

The Danger of Hope by Morgan Breon is a solo show that questions, What happens when Detroit public high schoolers believe the newly hired Behavior Specialist is…a “witch?” The Danger of Hope shows the joys, pains, and struggles of Ms. Morgan while counseling 9th graders who have begun to see trauma as “normal.” When hope begins to crack open their hearts and minds, Ms. Morgan’s office might just be the most dangerous room in the entire school. This production, directed by Dr. Diane Hill, will center brilliant solo performances by Morgan Breon. 

The all-women, majority BIPOC creative team for Good Light Productions’ Mid-Summer Showcase includes Carolyn Harrison, Producer; Meikayla Thomany, Stage Manager; Emma Wills-Umdenstock, Lighting Designer/Board Op (Theater Design/Technology at Purchase College); and Helenah Comia, Sound Designer/Board Op (Mark Cantore LLC & William Paterson University).

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Good Light Productions exists to create a sanctuary where untold stories articulate and illuminate the shared spaces of our human experience. Good Light celebrates, nurtures, and shines a light on beautifully diverse narratives that have been in the dark for too long. goodlightproductions.com

The Episcopal Actors’ Guild (EAG) (est. 1923) provides emergency aid and support to professional performers of all faiths and none who are undergoing financial crisis. We are also dedicated to helping emerging artists advance their careers through scholarships, awards, and performance opportunities. Throughout the year, EAG hosts workshops, plays, concerts, and other benefit performances to raise financial support and community awareness. For over 100 years, EAG has been a safety net, providing crucial services to ensure the well-being of NYC's vital community of individual performing artists. Learn more at www.actorsguild.org.

EAG’s Open Stage Grant: In 2017, recognizing how challenging it is to find affordable space for creating work, EAG introduced Open Stage, a residency program for small and emerging NYC theatre companies. Open Stage is supported by the Teri Black Performance Fund, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.

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EAG's Covid Safety Rules: Masks are strongly recommended but no longer required in Guild Hall. Please stay home if you are sick or if you have tested positive for covid. For more details, please visit www.actorsguild.org/covid-safety-protocols.

Directions: The Episcopal Actors’ Guild (EAG)/Guild Hall is located at 1 EAST 29th STREET, NYC 10016 (midblock between Madison and Fifth, between #3 and #9 East 29th Street) on the second floor of the Church of the Transfiguration (aka the Little Church Around the Corner). We are NOT the big church on the corner of Fifth Avenue; that's Marble Collegiate. When you arrive at the Little Church, enter through the main gate and go through the garden to the door marked Guild Hall (between the main doors into the church and the door to the parish office).

Getting Here: The closest subways are the R/W or 6 at 28th Street or the B/D/F/M or N/Q/R/W at 34th Street/Herald Square. If you are arriving by bus, take the M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, or M7.

Lobby: Guild Hall does NOT have a lobby or waiting area. You are welcome to enjoy the Little Church’s garden (weather permitting) if you arrive before the house opens.

Accessibility: Guild Hall is not a fully ADA-compliant venue. However, we do our best to accommodate all patrons. Guild Hall is located up one flight of stairs (20 steps). There is no elevator; however, a stair chair is available for those who need assistance making it up to or down from Guild Hall. EAG’s staff will be happy to assist you upon request.