THE SYNOPSIS:
“Black Thang” by Ato Essandoh is the story of Sam, a black man, and Mattie, a white woman, and what happens when their relationship progresses from merely a one-night stand to something more…but not without some controversy.
Meanwhile, Keisha (Mattie’s best friend), struggles to hold onto her relationship with her long-time boyfriend Omar, and Jerome (Sam’s best friend), tries to “school” him on the ins-and-outs of interracial dating.
THE CREATIVE TEAM:
Come chat with the innovative and emerging director Sydney Chatman and The Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit as they explore location specific productions with a twist: adding technology to enhance the theatrical experience and to create interactive theater.
This is a MUST-SEE two-day event that’s sure to have you wanting more!
THE SPECIFICS:
WHEN: FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 & 3O, 2010
WHERE: IVAN/CARLSON STUDIOS 2224 W. FULTON Chicago, IL
60612
TIME: RECEPTION 7:00 p.m. CURTAIN 7:30 p.m.
DONATION: until JANUARY 28TH-$15; DAY OF SHOW-$20
about the Tofu Chitlin Circuit: The Tofu Chitlin’ Circuit is a theater conservatory located in the Bronzeville district of Chicago that seeks to push the boundaries of staged productions through technology and the integration of a variety of media in their works.
Coffee and Cigarettes
Café Jumping Bean on 18th Street (near Laflin) in Pilsen has a lock on deliciousness. Both of these thumbs are up. Last time I was there, I had a scrumptious sandwich and (my joint) cafe con leche. Sigh.
The only other café I feel at home at is Istria café (at Hyde Park Art Center, 50th & Cornell). They make a Latte…..Double Sigh. Not to mention the gelato. Got hooked on both while taking a Screenprinting class at HPAC.
I lied. I really dig Little Black Pearl and Bronzeville Coffee House (528 E. 43rd St.), too [ Especially Bronzeville's book exchange, and those muffins...].
There’s a song by Otis Redding called “Cigarettes and Coffee”:
It’s early in the morning
About a quarter til Three
I’m sittin’ here talkin’ with my baby
over cigarettes and coffee….
I’ve never smoked, but that song made me believe in the common luxury of both. Remember when, if visiting someone’s house, the cupboards may have been bare…but they’d still offer you some coffee (even instant). That’s why Starbucks bugs me. It’s not just the “corporate cog” issue. It’s the “make something as basic as coffee into a status symbol” issue. Not cool.
“Coffee and Cigarettes” is also a film directed by Jim Jarmusch. Here’s a clip, featuring GZA, RZA, and Bill Murray:
I’ll leave you with some (disjointed) words I inadvertently memorized in high school:
It is with the bitter lives
Of bitter people
that I sweeten my coffee
on this beautiful morning
in Ipanema
–Fierreira Gullar
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