The Site Where You See Nothing

African American Stage Faults

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:11:24 GMT

5 Reasons Why African American Stage Plays Are Not Respected in Hollywood

Newest Hollywood inductee, Tyler Perry is reaping massive critical acclaim for his recent collection of films. His latest, "Why Did I Get Married?" was the top-grossing film on its opening weekend (October 12th, 2007). But Perry did not start behind the camera. His original work was at first found on the many small stages dotting America: the stage play. Tyler Perry is notorious for creating the character "Madea", who often pops up in his various plays with lots of wisdom and tons of wit. His adept portrayal of such a memorable character is what has led him to cinematic success with such films as "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" (starring Kimberly Elise) and "Madea's Family Reunion." Perry himself has been quoted, saying that he wished for his plays to be a "bridge" between traditional urban theatre, and mainstream cinema.

But Perry is not the only African American stage play director on the scene. In fact, the genre which made Perry so famous has actually been quite popular with black audiences for several years. But unlike companies who stage top-notch Broadway plays (those with Tony Award nods), the organizations staging black plays get little to no publicity. And when they do, it is often negative. There are reasons why traditional black "church" plays seem to get a bum rap. And those reasons often have nothing to do with skin color...

The Acting is Poor

In 2004, E. Lynn Harris, a popular gay African American author brought one of his best-sellers "Not a Day Goes By" to the stage as a play. Starring actors such as Jackee Harry and American Idol alum, Trenyce, theatres from Atlanta to Little Rock, Arkansas were packed with Harris fans. The show did fairly well in the black community. But ultimately, the stiff acting took away from the book's authentic quality.

This is often the case in many African American stage plays. It isn't so much that quality actors cannot be found. It's that acting from a theatrical perspective is something that many up-and-coming thespians have not yet mastered. As a result, the playwrighting skills are largely eclipsed by acting that is more intrusive than natural.
Many plays written by African American playwrights take place in the churches and living rooms of their characters. While this in and of itself does not warrant a poor review, the fact remains that the subject matter is considered shallow by many stage play audiences. With titles like, "Beauty Shop", "His Woman/ His Wife", and "Love on Layaway" it is often difficult for people to take seriously the subject matter-when all the topics seemed centered around sex and infidelity. Though these topics are rampant in both mainstream Hollywood cinema and in traditional theatre, the stories are often much too shallow for critics to really delve into on an artistic level. Quite frankly, the narratives of these characters are viewed as nothing more than beauty salon gossip set to stage.

Plot Development is Weak

Stage directors and writers would love to have audiences believe that everything they see on stage is plotted and planned with the utmost precision. Truthfully, the topics that are covered in African American stage plays often seem to require very little "development." For instance, in many plays the highlights are punctuated by enthusiastic musical choir numbers and solos. The songs in these plays are arranged in such a way as to create a dynamic in the story. But many times, these placements are awkward and end up creating small divisions in the tale's continuity. Many audiences actually find the choral numbers more annoying than helpful to the play. Couple this with a storyline that is fairly one-dimensional, and all theatrical respect has just gone out the window.

Characters are too Stereotypical

Another thing that keeps African American stage plays from making more of an impact on the rest of society is their own perpetuation of traditional stereotypes. The Preacher, The Vixen, The Matriarch, and The Stud are all recurring characters who make appearances in so many different stage plays across America. In essence, these characters continue to preserve the myth that all black men are emotionally or physically "unavailable" and all black women are needy or conniving.

Even the plays that attempt to showcase a different side of the African American existence end up falling prey to the same stereotypes that have been ridiculed in previous years. For example, Tyler Perry's characters, "Sheila" and "Mike" are pivotal to the plot in his latest film, "Why Did I Get Married?". Sheila is an overweight wife with poor self-esteem. Mike is the tall, dark, handsome stud who persistently mistreats her emotionally and commits adultery right under her nose. In essence, these types characters have been seen before dozens of times. So any mystique the stories might have had is essentially lost by the time audiences get to their seats.

They Are Seen as Sleazy

It is no secret that African American sexuality is not one of America's favorite topics in Hollywood. Though it is difficult to escape sex and sexual themes in cinema and theatre, their portrayal in black stage plays is seen as vulgar, instead of invigorating. The artistic merit in many sexual situations in black stage plays is lost on many audiences because they are not accustomed to how African American men and women relate to each other in real life. Furthermore, black playwrights sometimes have a tendency to over-exaggerate intimate situations for the sake of attracting attention to their work. In short, the "gossipy" nature that accompanies many of the black stage plays is what keeps some audiences from taking them seriously.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/429503/5_reasons_why_african_american_stage.html?page=3&cat=9

Site to Remember

Thu, 25 May 2006 03:59:32 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KggOmsr9l4&search=daniel%20radcliffe%20party

Jamie Bell things for me to remember

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 09:06:40 GMT

http://community.livejournal.com/jcrrfans/2612.html#cutid1

http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/feature.jsp?V=3&SV=5&id=147660

Fondas'

Sun, 27 Nov 2005 04:51:33 GMT

Bridget: http://www.perfectpeople.net/piclist.php3/cid=168-u-page=6
Jane: http://www.bigmagic.com/pages/blackj/column63d.html

African American Literature

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 02:08:49 GMT

AFRO LIT: CLICK

HOW TO STUDY GUIDE: CLICK

Cheap Photo Copies

Tue, 11 Oct 2005 03:52:41 GMT

Get cheap photocopies (for headshots) made here: http://www.isgophoto.com/

Tips for finding an agent?

Q: How did you go about evaluating which talent agency was right for you? On my most recent trip to L.A., I stopped by Samuel French and picked up a copy of the Hollywood edition of "The Agencies". There are so many agencies that are opening and closing every month. Did you just sign with the first agency that wanted to represent you? Or did you wait for a few offers and then decide? I read your faq about choosing representation, but do you have any other tips/lessons learned? Thanks in advance for all of your help! - Andrew

A: Check out a journal entry I did on March 16, 2005 on a book Tony Martinez wrote called, "An Agent tells All." He helps in documenting the process--so does, "Your Film Acting Career" by MK Lewis.

Basically I went through "The Agencies" and submitted to those that said they were open to submissions and claimed to be respected by the casting community, etc. There's another book, "The Right Agent" that delves more into the levels of each agency to help figure out which ones to submit to. I can tell you now, if you're just starting out, do not submit to: CAA, William Morris, UTA, Endeavor, Paradigm or ICM -- you can if you want, but more often than not, you'll be wasting your time. They rep the big, big guys. And even if you do sign with them, you don't want to be buried there when starting out anyway.

When I sent out submissions in '96 (75 of them), I had 2 agencies that bit - I went with the one I connected best with. Take into consideration their ratio of agents to clients: some have under 100 clients and some have 1000 - obviously there's less of a chance to get lost in a smaller agency. Take notice if their phones are ringing. Is the office nice? Ask how do they see you? How did they treat you -- All these things are little clues as to how their business is conducted and if you want to do business with them. Chances are, your first agent will not be the agent you stay with 95% of the time for your career -- you just need someone who has access to the roles to submit on your behalf and be excited about you --so yes, sign with whichever SAG Franchised Agency wants you at first (hopefully you'll have more than 1 to choose from). And then as you build your resume and demo reel, you can be more choosy later on. But remember: an agent only gets a 10% commission because he/she technically does 10% of the work -- that means you've still got to keep hustling and pick up the remaining 90% after obtaining an agent; a lot of actors forget that part.

Q: I'm very interested in getting into the filmmaking business. Consequently, I've been searching for internships on film sets or whatnot that I'd be able to do in order to get a more hands-on experience but none has turned up so far. I'm not sure if this is the right
approach to trying to find one but I'd like to hear some advice on how to get in contact with such companies or productions. As I have no connections to the film industry, it's very difficult for me to find anything Hollywood-related so I'd really like to hear some
advice you have on getting into contact with filmmakers and such. Thank You. - Jane

A: Jane, getting an internship is fairly easy just because production companies just love having a slave doing any and everything they need for no money. But that's how you pay your dues. If you get a full-time position from it (because they can't NOT pay you year-round) just re-evaluate your situation every 6 months to a year to see if there is the possibility of advancement. I know of people working as assistants for over 10 years and have never moved up.

Get a book called the Hollywood Creative Directory, it's a good $60, but it has the addresses to every production company out there -- then shoot out a resume and cover letter (no longer than 5 sentences) to them. Make it catchy & clever but tasteful as well, so it stands out from the 100's of other letters they'll be receiving each week.

Remember that having no "Hollywood-related connections" is never an excuse. Most of the people in this business started out that way. There is always some way to bridge that gap and it's usually obtainable through the right literature, it was for me when I came out here not knowing a soul. Good luck

GRF

Sat, 10 Sep 2005 17:19:38 GMT

Haven't had a GRF in a while!

I have one today thought and it's a pretty good one I would rate it at a PG13/R. It's called A Midsummer's journey by Adrian. It also has 2 sequels written by Chrmisha and those will be up later :)

READ!

Birthday TR Fics

Sat, 03 Sep 2005 19:31:18 GMT

So 9-1-05 was my birthday and it was awesome! I didn't really do anything but I got a lot of money and my parents bought me an iPOD. It's so cool. I'm gonna fill all 5,000 songs so fast . . .

Links to TR Fics

http://www.angelfire.com/vi/fanficaylapascal/vetus.html

http://www.livejournal.com/community/millipedia/2694.html

TR/HG

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 06:26:16 GMT

A tom and hermione archive:

TR/HG

Potter Puff Binders:

PUFF'S!

Senior Riddle

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 20:40:56 GMT

Or Riddle SR. whatever you prefer . . .

Honeybean drew him

Look at him! PICTURE!

*DIES*

The Cutest of Cute

Fri, 19 Aug 2005 21:44:17 GMT

How cute can it get? Well this just about the cutest

I am later that a lot of people on this but better late than never!

PRESENTING . . . POTTER PUFFS!:

Potter Fan Art

Sat, 13 Aug 2005 05:13:18 GMT

Today's GRF

Sun, 07 Aug 2005 18:57:16 GMT

Todays GRF is entiteld Echoes in Eternity by The Jedi Wizard Hobbit. It is a RL/OC this time and I would give it a rating of PG-13.

Summary: Love, angst, loads of humor, you name it. In Harry's seventh year, Remus is forced to face an old friend from the past, someone he was very close to. Contains many flashback sequences to Marauder Era - pranks included. RL/OC, JP/LE, some RW/HG, HP/GW.

The story can be found here: READ!

Tom and Ginevra

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 17:32:28 GMT

I now have a ship that I have become completely attached to. The Tom Riddle and Ginevra Weasley ship. The attraction began with Tom and it all started with this story by Darkpurpleflame called Serpants Child.

Summary: Tom Riddle was once human. Tom Riddle was once in love. Tom Riddle was once a father. There were two roads ahead of him, one good one bad. We all know which one he chose, but have you ever wondered why?

The story can be found here: READ SERPENTS CHILD!

But the Tom/Ginny story i like (i've read a few and this is the best one i have found) is called Lady Darkness and can be found here: READ LADY DARKNESS!

Tom/Ginnny stories (good ones!) are so hard to find . . .

Checking

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 05:27:55 GMT

No GRF's today, not that I don't know anymore, I just have to go find them again :)

I'm just posting to check something out and make sure I don't forget: http://www.livejournal.com/users/its_art

Matt Long and Today's GRF

Sat, 30 Jul 2005 03:57:29 GMT

Well I just found out today that my favorite show Jack and Bobby wasn't going to be renewed for a second season. It's a shame to, as I was developing a bit of a cruch on Jack (Matt Long). He was a cutie. I mean look at him he's a little chipmunkie, but it's cute. Oh well, there's still Everwood. But I'll be following Matt Long's career.

Todays GRF's are pretty good. The first one is a little short (it's only one chapter). It actually isn't about Remus but more about his and Minerva's son William. In it, it is little William's birthday and he has to stay clean and while Minerva is in the hospital (she's having a baby) he is left in the care of several of Hogwarts' faculty members. I'd rate it a solid G and it is called William Lupin's Very Exciting Birthday by Melanie-Matthews. It can be found here: READ WILLIAMS BIRTHDAY!

The second GRF is a WIP and it is a RL/GW (implied SB) and it is rated a PG13/R. It really is only updated about twice a year, but what is written (a very small amount) is rather good. It is called Watch Out or Your Head Will Explode by Darkpurpleflame and can be found here: READ WATCH OUT OR . . .!

GRF

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 03:03:14 GMT

GRF is what I shall now refer to when talking about "Good Remus Fiction"

Todays GRF is an RL/HG story. It is time-turner but it is probably the best time-turner story I've read. It takes HG to the past but she comes back to the future and has to face the consequences of what she has change re her relationship with RL. The story is entitled "Before the Moon Rises" by Penelope78 and I would rate it at about a PG13/R. The story can be found here: READ BEFORE THE MOON RISES!

NOTE: The fiction that I post here will probably not rate lower than a PG13, although there may of course be exceptions

Fanfiction2

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 23:48:25 GMT

For todays "Good Remus Fiction" journey, I lead you all to another of my favorites. I don't know if it's finished yet but it certainly sounds that way. The last chapter is either the end or it is a direct lead to a possible sequel

The fiction I am talking is a Remus/Tonks pairing and is entitled Amid My Solitude. I would rate this fiction about PG13/R and can be found here: READ AMID MY SOLITUDE!

Blood on the Moon written by Portkey is another GRF fiction that I would like to point you all to. This also is a RL/NT pairing. I'd rate this a loose R and can be found here: READ BEFORE THE MOON RISES!

Have fun reading!

Fanfiction

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 07:27:03 GMT

It must be said that I am a great lover of fan fiction . . . well HP fanfiction . . . well that's not true either. I like REMUS fiction, but none of that slashy stuff. There have been several times where I was almost motivated to write my own - then I over came my delusional thoughts because I know that I am no writer. It is very difficult to find good ones but I will lead you (whoever "you" may be) to some particularly good ones.

The first one is RL/OC and is entitled "This was Falling" by Thing1 and has two sequels (On Flying and Veritas) if you like the first one. I think it stands at a good PG-13/R "TWF" can be found here: READ THIS WAS FALLING!

The second is also RL/OC and is entitled "Outcast" by Buttercup (It has a sequel but that contains more SS/HG - so unless you're into that particular pairing . . .). I would rate this at a strong R/NC-17. It's quite sexually graphic but such scenes never overtakes the story. That can be found here: READ OUTCAST! (you have to be logged in to access)

I will post more of my favorite Remus stories in the following weeks (I think I finally found what this LJ will be used for!)

Hello

Sun, 24 Jul 2005 23:57:09 GMT

Hello self (or anyone else who actually took the time to read this)! I'm not sure yet what purpose this journal will serve but i thought it would be good to have one. I'm still lost on exactly how to use it but hopefully I'll figure it out soon. Do you like my little rocking mouse? Well it's not actually mine. I saved it, now I'm using it, but it's cute isn't it.