Executive Director, Natasha A. Jackson, and Artistic Director, J. Mardrice Henderson, of Reclaiming Our Time Productions kickoff Artistry Avenue. Artistry Avenue examines the intersection of theatre and social issues.
Everyone wants a seat at the table! However, how do we navigate having a seat at the table that comes with restrictions or with unknown, limited access? In this episode, we converse on the restrictiveness of being invited and the invisible parameters that come with said invitation.
Tyler Perry has achieved great success, bringing Black voices and Black artists to the forefront! From theatre to television to feature films, his fingerprint on the industry can not be ignored. However, at what cost? In this episode, we discuss just how much of an influence Mr. Perry and his work has had on BIPOC artistry. Join the conversation…
What does it mean to be a professional? Natasha, J. Mardrice and J. Ra’Chel converse on the difference between title of professional and the character of professionalism. Unfortunately, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Explore the differences with us as we tackle worth ethic, buzz words, and self-proclaimed hierarchy in both theatre and the real world. Join the conversation…
In this episode, Natasha, J. Mardrice, and Juan speak with actress/producer/singer, Yolanda Rabun about her upcoming production of No Fear and Blues Long Gone: Nina Simone. No Fear…runs at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts from September 6-7 at 7:30 pm, and September 8 at 2:00pm.
In Howard L. Craft’s 90-minute, one-woman show, No Fear and Blues Long Gone: Nina Simone, the world meets Nina when she returns to earth to address certain events in her life, answer questions and leaves her audience with a unique perspective on dealing with fear and current events in our world today.
The show stars equity actor and national recording artist Yolanda Rabun, as Simone who, with the help of the audience, contemplates why Nina Simone risked everything to break through barriers becoming an icon of the Civil Rights era.
For more information, visit nofearandblueslonggone.com.
In this episode, we converse with Ian Finley, the playwright of “Native”.
Ian is an actor, educator, playwright, and much more. In this conversation, Ian educates on the RecTime team on his process, the genesis of “Native”, and his love for all things theatre and education.
Ian will also be involved with the talkbacks of our “Native” performances to be held on each Sunday’s performance after the show.
David and Serena Ebhardt zum Brunnen are the proprietors of EbzB Productions. Founded in 1998, EbzB Productions, Inc. believes that the performing arts encourage positive transformation through discoveries unveiled immediately and over time. EbzB teaching artists are also dedicated to promoting dramatic art as a valuable educational tool. EbzB Productions has been recognized by the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association for its, “excellence, its exemplary work and significant contribution to the dramatic arts,” in the state with the Hardee-Rives Award for Dramatic Arts.
In the first part–of this two part episode–David and Serena chat with RecTime members about the genesis of EbzB, their production resume, and the challenges they’ve face. The husband and wife team also begin talking about “Native”, RecTime’s upcoming production. Together, RecTime and EbzB plan to showcase this thought-provoking work by Ian Finley in September 2024.
David and Serena Ebhardt zum Brunnen are the proprietors of EbzB Productions. Founded in 1998, EbzB Productions, Inc. believes that the performing arts encourage positive transformation through discoveries unveiled immediately and over time. EbzB teaching artists are also dedicated to promoting dramatic art as a valuable educational tool. EbzB Productions has been recognized by the North Carolina Literary and Historical Association for its, “excellence, its exemplary work and significant contribution to the dramatic arts,” in the state with the Hardee-Rives Award for Dramatic Arts.
In this second part–of this two part episode–David and Serena chat with RecTime members about the trajectory of “Native” and the overwhelming responses that it has received and continues to receive. The husband and wife team briefly discuss “The Problem of the Hero”, the feature film inspired by “Native”, the play. Together, RecTime and EbzB plan to showcase this thought-provoking work by Ian Finley in September 2024.
In this episode, RecTime members discuss the difficulties of having a voice in the Theatre industry. Many times, BIPOC artists are invited to express themselves but only when it’s befitting. Why are our voices seemingly neglected? Devalued? How can we ensure the merit of our voice in theatrical spaces?
Join the conversation…
Join us as we chat with the cast and director of The Color Purple performing at Knightdale High School from November 14-16, 2024.
Director Clay Raines petitioned Reclaiming Our Time to come in and mentor the high school students in this production. Those that know the story also know the significance it has to Black culture. RecTime members ensured that the story, the context, and the culture were made palpable to the students. In this conversation, we address what we shared together for what we expect to be a phenomenal performance.
Join the conversation…
Natasha A. Jackson (Executive Director) received the opportunity to speak with Sean Hayden of Stage Combat: The Podcast. Stage Combat is an immersive storytelling experience as performing artists from all walks of life finally emerge from silence and speak up about their experiences in the theatre industry.
Please listen to Natasha’s featured episode below.
Sean [Hayden] continues to explore the problem with toxic stage managers and investigates whether our jobs can physically make us sick.
Content warning: STRONG language
Editing by Alex Griffith; Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
Reclaiming Our Time
Reclaiming Our Time Productions (RecTime) is a non-profit congregate of theatre professionals, whose aim is to produce and present excellence in community theatre productions, workshops, and arts education. The organization incorporates a broad range of theatre styles to tell the stories of marginalized cultures.
