Wanda's Picks Wednesday, May 24, 2017

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!

1. Graham Lustig, Artistic Director, Oakland Ballet, joins us to talk about "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Odell Johnson Theatre at the Laney College, June 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 4, 4 p.m. at Laney as well.

2. Cherie Hill, Artistic Director, IrieDance, joins us to talk about her new work.Terrestrial Footprints Part 2, June 2 & 3 at Alena Museum, a West Oakland space for African Diaspora art, 2725 Magnolia Street, 8 p.m.

3. Laura Elaine Ellis , executive director of the African & African American Performing Arts Coalition and co-director of the Black Choreographers Festival curates: Soul to Soul: An Artistic Response to Baldwin and Coates, 6/3 and 6/10, a collaborative piece which draws on the writings of James Baldwin and Ta-Nehisi Coates to illuminate contemporary issues related to race and social justice at odc.dance/wddf and 415-863-9834.