Press Release
For Immediate Release
Black Theatre Workshop Presents:
“Since Mama Done
Got Off the Couch!”
MAMA IS OFF THE COUCH AND READY TO GO!
MONTREAL April 6- 2011 “Since Mama Done Got Off the Couch!” Mama has been off the couch
and exploring the world for a long time now and Black Theatre Workshop is ready to share
those stories with you. On May 27th and 28th 2011, in partnership with Concordia University,
for the first time ever in Montreal, Black Theatre Workshop Presents “Since Mama Done Got Off
the Couch!” - an interactive playwrights conference discussing the evolution of Afro-Canadian
theatre, and featuring some of North America’s most acclaimed artists including Amiri Baraka
(Dutchman), George Boyd (Wade in the Water, Consecrated Ground) Pat Darbasie (when
Stone Meets Water), ahdri zhina mandiela (Dark Diaspora...in Dub), David Edgecombe (Strong
Currents, Heaven), Djanet Sears (Harlem Duet) and George Elliott Clarke (Whylah Falls) – and
takes place at Concordia University – 1450 Guy Amphitheatre.
This interactive conference offers audience members the opportunity to listen to participating
playwrights read excerpts from their plays and discuss the evolution of theatre “Since Mama
Done Got Off the Couch!” from the 1950s to today. Through panel discussions, Q & A sessions
and workshops for emerging and established writers, this forum gives light to the works of our
community by bringing together top Canadian and American artists to explore the significance
of the African voice in western theatre and the connections that make these voices unique. The
conference also explores how the Canadian voice was shaped by American and Caribbean
influences. Day 2 is comprised of writers’ seminars for emerging playwrights and an
opportunity to have an informal Q & A session with the legendary Amiri Baraka (A.K.A LeRoi
Jones). These intimate sessions with our panellists offers unique opportunity for emerging
playwrights to discuss their work and receive feedback from some of North America's best.
“Since Mama Done got off the Couch!” May 27th and May 28th 2011 at Concordia University.
The schedule is as follows: May 27th – A meet and greet brunch, an interactive discussion with
panellists including Amiri Baraka, George Boyd, George Elliott Clark, Pat Darbasie, David
Edgecombe, ahdri zhina mandiela and Djanet Sears, then an opening reception where guests
have the opportunity to network and further discuss informally the topics of the day.
May 28th will comprise of writers’ seminars for emerging playwrights and performers and an
intimate interactive Q & A with Amiri Baraka – Exclusive to those applying via our application
form.
To attend the writers seminar portion of the event please submit an application form with an
example of your written work to BTW by April 18 – forms available on our website. For more
information on this conference, and to purchase tickets please contact BTW or call 514-9321104 ext. 225.
Black Theatre Workshop, as the oldest African Canadian theatre company and celebrating its
40th year, stands strong in its commitment to bringing all Canadians the enlightening and
profound stories that come from African Canadians throughout this country. Come celebrate
the old and be a part of the new with Black Theatre Workshop’s 40th anniversary season and
join us at the historic “Since Mama Done Got off the Couch!” playwright conference.
-30Tickets for panel discussion and reception: $40
To participate in seminar: $50 (incl. entry to panel discussion & reception)
For All Media Inquiries: Ashley Belmer Marketing & Development Director 514-932-1104 ext
223 – Marketing@balacktheatreworkshop.ca
MEDIA CALL – May 27th 11 AM – Opportunity for interviews, and photo ops with ALL
FEATURED ARTISTS at the conference – RSVP marketing@blacktheatreworkshop.ca
To book tickets for the panel discussion contact Box Office at 514-932-1104 x226 or
boxoffice@blacktheatreworkshop.ca