Wednesday, November 15, 2023

'From a Yardie to a Yankee' Opens During Black History Month

 


Theatre West is celebrating Black History Month with its presentation of From a Yardie to a Yankee.       

Sardia Robinson is originally from Jamaica. Wikipedia defines “yardie,”: ‘In the  most innocuous sense, "yardie" can simply refer to a Jamaican national; as "yard" can mean "home" in Jamaican Patois, Jamaican expatriates who moved abroad to countries such as the U.K. and U.S. would often refer to themselves and other Jamaicans as "yardies".’

Born into a poverty-stricken Jamaican neighborhood where crime, gangs, and political revolution were the norm, Sardia had to step over corpses in the street on her way to school. Then an unplanned pregnancy led to yet more hurdles. Sardia’s engaging and unique storytelling style takes audience members on an emotional rollercoaster ride fraught with peril, pain, and suffering, but also filled with humor, endearing characters, and the undeterred spirit to survive.

This vivid presentation portrays writer and performer Sardia Robinson’s epic struggles from the murderous streets of Kingston, Jamaica to the deadly consequences of Chicago’s drug wars. The one-woman show starring Robinson is full of colorful characters (she portrays eleven different roles), powerful portrayals, obstacles overcome, and heartwarming humor. This show will grip your heart and imagination.

From a Yardie to a Yankee has won awards across the country, among them the Best in Show Award at the TAG Studio Solo Festival,  the Innovative Women in Theatre Award (Hollywood Fringe Festival), and Best Solo Production Award (Broadway World),  It was listed as one of the Top Ten Shows to see in Los Angeles by Broadway World. The show recently toured New York, London, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Sardia received the Great Black Women Alumni Award in recognition of her contributions to young performers from Chicago’s Mahogany Scholarship Heritage Foundation. Her recent credits include Justice Delayed, in which she stars as Amy Jaques Garvey, wife of activist Marcus Garvey; and the hit sitcom currently airing in the Caribbean, House Out of Order.

Proceeds from this event will support the ongoing artistic and educational activities and programs of Theatre West, a 501c3 non-profit organization.

WHAT:  From a Yardie to a Yankee. The award-winning show.

WHO: Written, directed, and performed by Sardia Robinson. Produced by Dina Morrone for Theatre West.

WHERE: Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West,  in Los Angeles, CA 90068.

WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 8 p.m. Sunday, February 11 at 2 p.m.

ADMISSION: $40 in advance; $45 at the door.

RESERVATIONS: (323) 851-7977.

ONLINE TICKETING: www.theatrewest.org

CONSUMER ADVISORY: For ages 11 through adult.

Reception with Jamaican food follows the performance.

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