Wanda's Picks Monday, August 8, 2016

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!

This special broadcast features: Thomas Cokenias (Wyatt Cooke), Norman Gee (Eban Carter), and Danielle Thys (Emma Cooke), for Dominic Hoffman's "Emmitt & Ava," currently up at the Fireside Theatre and Beverly Hills Playhouse in San Francisco, Friday-Sunday, August 12-14. For tickets visit: www.bhpsanfrancisco.com

The Carter and Cooke families have both experienced recent losses. Eban's son, Emmitt and the Cooke's daughter, Ava have died. They were in a horrible car accident. The two victims are young, 19 and 20. The Cookes do not know Emmitt; however both Eban and his son, Evan, know Ava, Emmitt's girlfriend. Both Emmitt and Ava are visual artists, one black, the other partner, white. While race is certainly an element in the work, what is more explored is the nature of grief and loss and how one articulates this when it is still inexplicable. When Eban returns to the Cooke home after their daughter's funeral, he asks a favor. It is this favor that brings into the forefront, hidden prejudices and denial.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2016/08/08/wandas-picks-radio-show