Media Reviews
- Times Union 8/'12
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The color of juvenile justice
New study finds minority youth are disproportionately drawn into the criminal court system in Capital Region
By Alysia Santo
Published: 11:08 p.m., Monday, August 6, 2012
Three black teens sit on their front porch. Two cops approach. "What's going on over here?" They request ID and accuse the teens of being "troublemakers."
The teens snicker and talk back. The cops pat them down. The kids are "taken downtown." End scene.
Local theater group Urban Stage acted out this scenario. Drawing on personal experience is a common acting technique, but for this teen group, the act they perform is real. A new study of juvenile justice in the Albany area shows minority youth are being drawn into the court system disproportionately.
Read more...- Times Union 3/'12
Banking on a 'place of pride'
Organizers optimistic about African-American Cultural Center
By Paul Grondahl
Published: 9:02 p.m., Thursday, March 29, 2012
ALBANY — The future home of the African-American Cultural Center of the Capital Region will fill a former Key Bank branch at one of downtown's busiest intersections, the corner of Madison Avenue and South Pearl Street.
A trio of black community activists leading the effort consider the central location fitting, given the ambitious plans they have for the four-story, 19th-century brick building. They purchased the building and a vacant adjacent lot last month for about $100,000, with the help of a loan.
In addition to exhibit space, they envision a theater, dance studio, library and archives, community meeting space, gift shop and offices.
"This building has such prominence and it's an exciting project that brought us together," said Alice Green, founder of the Center for Law and Justice and one of the project's prime movers. "We decided it was time we had ownership in our community as an ethnic group. We also wanted to find a way to be much more positive so both children and adults can learn about and celebrate their history."
The other two organizations behind the project are the South End neighborhood group AVillage Inc. and Too Deep Entertainment An Urban Arts Experience.
Read more...- Times Union 2010
Meet 'Condom Man' and Too Deep Entertainment
By TOM KEYSER STAFF WRITER
Published: 12:00 a.m., Thursday, November 11, 2010
A boy and girl are making out on stage. The boy, as boys will, is trying to press the girl into having sex.
Suddenly, from behind the curtain leaps ... Condom Man!
Read more...
Other Reviews
- Parker
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Sandy Parker
PrincipalI want to take this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding performance you and your group put on for the young men of Berkshire.
The scenarios were particularly meaningful and thought provoking acted in a most appealing way. You certainly have the ability to play to the audience, get and keep their attention and make valuable points. It is my hope that you can come back again, soon.
- Kelly-Parson
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Shirley Kelly-Parson
NYS DOH/AIDS InstituteI just had the pleasure of viewing your performance "Stop & Rewind," a theatrical presentation at the NYS DOH Affirmative Action Committee's Black History Celebration. You were absolutely excellent!
Although the small theatre was full, your performance deserved a larger venue. I have nieces I would love to enlighten with your performance. Please advise me as to where your production is being performed and said cost. I also would like to know if your company if available for community performance and said cost associated with a community performance. Thank You!
- Hughes
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Tyrell Hughes
Family & PINS Mediation Program Coordinator, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,Inc. M.O.D.E.L. Co-FounderFirst off, I pull my hat off to you all for pulling off such a well rehearsed and introspective play.
Not only did it address problems that are going on around us but it helped us to direct some of the energy on what we can do "now" as oppose to pinpointing the blame. The issues that were addressed in the play were relevant, cultural and pertained to every young adult and family today. Thanks for bringing the reality to the audience and opening the minds of Albany. Not to often do I get to see or attend events that have substance here but I am glad I went to your play and I walked out energized and excited that I had watched your film. Keep doing the good work that you do.
Comments
Thank you.
(see you guys at the next play)