Black Voices

The Whitefire Theatre’s second annual “Black Voices” solo series which began in September, will conclude its run November 13.  Actress and director Juliette Jeffers, a prominent Black solo artist herself, has performed in the series, as well as served as curator.

The Whitefire Theatre has always been diverse, working with many BIPOC artists in Los Angeles. However, considering recent events Artistic Director Bryan Rasmussen felt compelled to take it a step further. The Whitefire was already host to SOLOFEST, the second largest solo theatre festival in the United States. Rasmussen wanted to reach out and bring more Black artists into the fold.  After some research, he was amazed to find that there are very few Black solo theatre festivals.  He is hoping that “Black Voices” will be the first of many to come!

November shows include:

November 6 – “The Cohort” written and performed by Amara Graderson, directed by Juliette Jeffers. An exposé of the psyche of a Black woman with big dreams and low self-esteem. Through the rolodex of characters (i.e., voices in her head,) she works through her insecurities and finds stability. Format/genre: Improv/Stand-Up/Narrative.  Performed live on-stage Saturday, November 6th at 8:00 pm (PDT); performance will be available for On-Demand streaming the day after the live performance.

November 10 – “T-O-T-A-L-L-Y!” written and performed by Kimleigh Smith, directed by Paula Killen.  A heartbreaking yet uplifting piece about a young cheerleader transforming from rape victim into a powerful woman who embraces her inner superhero as she reclaims her sexuality and lives as a healthy woman who cheers for life! Performed live on-stage Wednesday, November 10th at      8:00 pm.

November 11 – “Poison Gun” written and performed by Dee Freeman, directed by Juliette Jeffers.  A six-year-old girl’s world is turned upside down, when her grandparents are murdered, and she becomes a key witness in the investigation. She has a secret she promised to never tell, but the lead investigator, a manipulative racist cop, wants that secret to be revealed. Performed live on-stage Thursday, November 11th at 8:00 pm.

November 13 – “Batman and Robin in the Boogie Down” written and performed by Juliette Jeffers, directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood and Chuck Patterson. This award-winning, highly acclaimed play is a touching and quirky biographical tale of two Caribbean-American siblings, a poignant story of two lives eternally intertwined with a multitude of vibrant characters from their shared past in the Bronx and beyond.  Performed live on-stage Saturday, November 13th at 8:00 pm; show will be available for On-Demand streaming the day after the live performance.