'Pulling It All Into The Current' at United Solo - Theatre Row

Letta Neely

Letta Neely, a versatile individual originating from Indianapolis, Indiana, is a beacon of creativity and activism. As a Black lesbian playwright, performer, poet, mother, teacher, and community activist, she has dedicated her adult life to progressive, anti-racist, and queer liberation movements. Letta's artistic pursuits explore the powerful connections and intersections of queerness, Blackness, and consciousness. In 2002, Letta made her mark with the debut of her play, "Hamartia Blues," produced by The Theater Offensive at the Boston Center for the Arts. The production garnered significant recognition, earning two IRNE (Independent Reviewers of New England) awards nominations. Her subsequent plays, such as "Last Rites" and "Shackles & Sugar," and a musical, “99% Stone” captivated audiences in Boston, Philly, and Los Angeles. Letta's literary talent extended to poetry, with two acclaimed books, "Juba" and "Here," published by Wildheart Press. Both works received esteemed finalist positions in the Lambda Literary Awards. Her written contributions have graced numerous anthologies, literary journals, and magazines, including "Through the Cracks," "Sinister Wisdom," "Common Lives, Lesbian Lives," "Rag Shock," "African Voices," "Rap Pages," "Catch the Fire," "Does Your Mama Know," and "Roll Calla Generational Anthology of Social and Political Black Literature & Art." Collaborating with Deen Rawlins-Harris as a Traces/Remain Ensemble member, Letta played an instrumental role in developing the Seed to Harvest Book Project during Toshi Reagon's Emerson College residency: Parable Path Boston. Letta's impact on the arts community expands further as the co-artistic director for Fort Point Theatre Channel. She lent her editing and scriptwriting talents to Ife Franklin's "The Slave Narratives of Willie Mae" in book and film adaptations. Letta's passion for uplifting fellow artists led her to host the monthly "FireWater Poetics," a hybrid open mic event featuring exceptional performers at Emerson College. Notably, she directed Renita Martin's play, "Unmasked," for Revolution of Values, produced by Greg Allen. Her artistic contributions have garnered recognition, including a NEFA (New England Foundation for the Arts) grant, which supported initiatives such as Collective Imagination for Spatial Justice and Public Art for Spatial Justice. Adding to her diverse portfolio, Letta took on the role of Makayla in Lyralyn Kaye's acclaimed web series, "AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth)." Letta Neely's exceptional talents, unwavering commitment to activism, and profound contributions to artistic expression make her a remarkable and influential figure within the community.

Greg Allen

Greg Allen is a director, educator, and producer with a 25-year track record in the field. He holds the position of Assistant Teaching Professor at Northeastern University and is actively engaged as a stage director, contributing significantly to the theater community. Throughout his extensive career, Greg has overseen a multitude of college, university, and professional productions, showcasing his diverse range of talents. Noteworthy among Greg's directorial achievements is his work on Letta Neely's solo spoken word play, 'Pulling It All Into The Current,' which achieved success in Boston, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the United Solo Theatre Festival. This production is presently embarking on a tour across several cities in the United States. He has also directed 'Mommy Are We Poor?' by Richard Ravosa and 'Polaroid Stories' by Naomi Iizuka at Northeastern University. Additionally, Greg is the creative force behind 'Thunder - A Musical Memoir,' a one-person show featuring acclaimed Broadway tap dancer Jimmy Tate. This production graced the stage at the New York International Fringe Festival and earned the Outstanding Choreography award. Greg's work has found its place in respected venues like the Francis Anne Cannon Workshop Theater, Ensemble Studio Theater, and Bleeker Street Theater in New York City. His productions have been presented in Boston at the Strand Theater, Mosesian Center for the Arts, Boston Center for the Arts, and the Garde Arts Center in Connecticut. Greg's educational background is marked by a theater degree from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.F.A. in Theater Directing from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He also holds an M.Ed. from Cambridge College. Beyond his impressive credentials, Greg has contributed to the education sector, having taught at institutions such as the Boston Public Schools, Umass Amherst, and Mass Bay Community College. At present, Greg serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Northeastern University Department of Theatre. He also assumes the role of Co-Artistic Director of the A Revolution of Values Theatre Project and holds an Artistic Director position at Fort Point Theatre Channel in Boston. His dedication to the arts and education continues to shape and enrich the theatrical landscape.