Secrets of a Black Boy @ Daniels Spectrum Theatre, Toronto, ON - Sat Jul 27th! Two Shows!

Secrets of a Black Boy was created by Actor and Playwright, Darren Anthony in   his endeavors to provide a voice for the new generation of urban non-theatre goers who craved seeing themselves mirrored and their own stories characterized on stage.  The grit and truth of Secrets’ voice is one that has resonated with audiences  from Toronto to south of the border with the elements of hip-hop,
humour and revelation incorporated in this production – it’s a concert, party and play all in one!

The timing for this production could not have been better in light of the Trayvon Martin case and verdict. With the faces of Black males often attached to negative stories and headlines with the "who and what" often being discussed, but avoiding the WHY!  Secrets’ objective is to share the "why" behind the headlines, and these conversations.  The complexities of the lives of Black male youth in Toronto often go uncovered in mainstream media and entertainment productions, leaving many
voices silenced and unheard.

For the first time, Secrets of a Black Boy will be hosting a Q&A discussion to follow its matinee show titled, “Sharing Our Secrets”: A Community Forum that will look at how the themes of the play are connected to what is currently happening in our cities and neighbourhoods.  The conversation is geared to reaching the youth that need to hear this most by creating an environment for them to not only
express their anger and frustrations but to also address solutions.

SAT JULY 27, 2013
DANIELS SPECTRUM THEATRE
585 Dundas St East, Toronto, ON
(Just E of Parliament)
Times: Matinee 2 pm / Evening 8 pm
‘SHARING OUR SECRETS FORUM’:
Following the 2 pm Show
Tickets: $25 - $30

This brutally honest new piece gives voice to five Black men from Toronto whose in-your-face stories are set against the backdrop of the displacement of families in Regent Park. Secrets of a Black Boy promises to provide poignant insights into Black male culture and no subject is taboo from interracial dating, commitment phobia, gun violence, sexuality and abuse. Every stereotype Black men face will be critically examined and explored, subsequently, giving audiences a fresh, new and authentic experience!  You’ll never look at a Black man the same again!

Directed by Kimahli Powell, with writing contributions by Executive Producer and   Dramaturge Trey Anthony, Secrets of a Black Boy stars five of Toronto’s hottest young actors including Playwright, Darren Anthony, Edutainer and Shock Artist, Samson Brown, Actor and Songwriter Shomari Downer, Producer, Director, and Spoken Word Artist, Al St. Louis, along with our new and exciting cast member Troy Crossfield.  Joining this stellar cast on stage will be the legendary DJ O to provide the beats and atmosphere for the production.  After sold out performances in 2009 to a Toronto audiences, and 3 successful performances in Brooklyn, New York at ActNow’s ‘New Voices in Theatres’ series in 2012, the hit play is back to spill more secrets with a kickoff show in Toronto on July 27th followed by a closing show for North Carolina’s National Black Theatre Festival.  The National Black Theatre Festival is the largest platform for bringing Black theatre companies throughout America together to participate in presenting plays, readings, and workshops.

To learn more about them, visit: www.nbtf.org

WATCH THE TRAILER...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZqDT7_MsJ4

‘SECRETS OF A BLACK BOY’ IS UNAPOLOGETIC FOR THE STORIES IT TELLS!
You’ll leave the theatre questioning your thoughts and ideas… it starts conversations!

Tickets can be purchased online at: www.secretsofablackboy.eventbrite.ca

For more details, pls go to: www.secretsofablackboy.com