It’s always a thrill to see artists we know, love and have worked with for years doing work and getting noticed for doing it — especially the younger, emerging talent. It’s equally thrilling to see current and former Harlem Stage employees exploring their artistic sides. Among our staff we have actors, dancers, photographers – even a synchronized swimmer! More about that later. Back to the boys. Roger Guenveur Smith and Edwin Matos are both performing in NYC this week and both reviewed in today’s NYTimes.
Roger Guenveur Smith is presenting his one man show “Frederick Douglass Now” at the Irish Arts Center in rep with Donal O’Kelly’s “The Cambria.” Both works celebrate Douglass. Roger has presented versions of this work here at Harlem Stage on two occasions in the past 15 years. I saw the extended version at Joe’s Pub last year. It is full of the rich explorations and meditations Roger typically weaves through poetic and brilliant writing and compelling performing. Douglass’s life certainly provides an abundant source of material to mine from. Roger takes us on a journey through time and space presenting his life and his impact as a continuum of cultural relevance. We love Roger and his commitment to his work. He opened our new home The Gatehouse with “Who Killed Bob Marley” in 2006 and was seen last here year in Classical Theatre of Harlem’s “Three Sisters.” We hope to have him back in our house soon.
Edwin Matos, Jr. goes back as long with us, but as a former usher, house manager and program associate. We always knew he had the acting bug, and with that resonant voice and his typically spicy delivery, he could easily seduce an audience. He has been diligently and lovingly working on “Fathers and Sons” for a few years now and it is enjoying its first Off Broadway run at Lion Theater in Clinton – running until Oct. 4th. The play is by his mentor Richard Hoehler, who also performs the two person play with him. Always nice to see our extended family following their dreams – and getting a good review doesn’t hurt. Congratulations to Edwin.
- Brad