The Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival To Celebrate 31st Anniversary

 

The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival will celebrate its 31st Anniversary with four days of virtuosa performances, panels, workshops, and its Champagne GALA and Awards Ceremony honoring distinguished women of achievement in theatre on Thursday, March 28 through Sunday, March 31, 2024.  

Events will take place at Theatre 68 Arts Complex-The Rosalie, located at 5112 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601. 

This year's theme is Telling Our Truths! Full details of the performer line-up, awardees, and co-hosts are forthcoming. 

The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival was co-founded by solo artists Adilah Barnes and Miriam Reed. 

This year’s organizational funders of Official Sponsors and Government Grantors include the Los Angeles County Arts and Culture, California Arts Council, City of Culver City, Department of Cultural Affairs, Blackbaud Foundation, KPFK 90.7 FM, and Adilah Barnes Productions. 

For more information about the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival, go to http://lawtf.org or call (8180 760-0408.

Choreographer Camille A. Brown Explores Issue of Race

Camille A. Brown

By Darlene Donloe

Camille A. Brown, the founder and artistic director of Camille A. Brown & Dancers, is known for being edgy, dynamic, and inventive.

With boldness, she unapologetically explores issues of race, culture, and identity.

Committed to empowering communities through dance and dialogue, Brown, an award-winning choreographer, has been recognized for bringing life to Broadway shows like for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, Choir Boy, and Once On This Island.

Brown’s award-winning choreography reclaims the cultural narrative of African American identity. The show allows her work to tap into both ancestral stories and contemporary culture to capture a range of deeply personal experiences.

Through dance and dialogue, Brown empowers Black bodies to tell their story in their language(s).

Brown credits legendary dancer, actress, and director Debbie Allen for providing her with profound mentorship and impactful guidance during her career.

The dancer, choreographer, director, and dance educator, who congruently choreographed commissioned pieces for dance companies, Broadway shows, and universities brings her energetic choreography to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills where Allen serves as a board member. Performances are set for two nights on January 12-13.

Camille A. Brown

I recently caught up with Brown (CAB) to talk about her career and her upcoming show.

DD: Describe what it has been like working with a dance legend like Debbie Allen.  What does having her in your corner do for you?

CAB: It means the world! I have been inspired by Debbie Allen ever since FAME was on TV. She was so powerful. Her words and the tools she gave the students reminded me of my training as a young dancer at Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center and Carolyn Devore Dance Center. In high school, I wrote essays about Debbie Allen. If I was asked who I looked up to, I always said her name... To watch how she has expanded her career—from dancer to choreographer, to director for film and television, and on and on. She created her lane, and by doing so, permitted us to believe that all things are possible. 

DD: What is the most important thing you’ve learned from Debbie Allen?

CAB: Always be on your A-game. 

DD: How does dance amplify the cultural narratives of African American identity?

CAB: Dance is a part of the cultural narrative of African-American identity. Through social dance specifically, we can see a place, a time, a movement. Dance can move us through centuries, tell us about our history, and bring us right into the present with one move. It is a language, and through movement, we see our identities. 

DD: Why does bringing this show to LA matter?

CAB: I can only speak for myself. It matters to me because it allows me to share my perspective through my lens. There’s nothing like being able to speak your mind and create your own space to see whatever you want. I am very honored The Wallis has brought The Company here. 

DD: You recently made your Broadway directorial debut on the Broadway revival of For Colored Girls…, and became the first Black female to be nominated for a Tony Award as both director and choreographer for a play on Broadway in over 67 years. Talk about what that means to you.

CAB: I’m not sure I can fully express through words how that entire experience changed my life. I always wanted to choreograph for theater and Broadway, but I never thought I would have the opportunity to direct and choreograph a Broadway show. I dreamed about it, but when it became a reality, it knocked me out. And the fact that it was one of Ntozake Shange’s most celebrated plays. No pressure! I had the honor of meeting Ntozake Shange, and she interviewed me for her book. I was captivated by how necessary dance was to her work and practice. When I was asked to direct and choreograph For Colored Girls..., I remembered our conversation and her love of dance. With For Colored Girls..., she was making the statement that dance is just as important as the text. The story must live through the words and how they are delivered but also how the body moves. And then to be nominated for a Tony as director and choreographer… I just wanted to give my all and give it my best shot. It felt amazing to be seen and acknowledged. It was a giant step in my career. 

DD:  You also made history as the MET Opera’s first Black director, co-directing and choreographing the production of "Fire Shut Up In My Bones.  This is clearly your time.  How do you process all of your success?  What does something like this mean to you, and more importantly, what does it do for those coming behind you?

CAB: Thank you so much. I just think about the climb. People see your successes, but they rarely see what it took to get you there. I am thankful for both the highs and the lows. It all makes you who you are. Hopefully, it shows people—particularly young Black girls—that we can be anything we want to be. There may be challenges but keep climbing. If they say no, you say yes and you keep climbing. If the door is shut, find another way, or make your own space... Being the first at anything is a massive undertaking. You are learning in real-time, and everybody is watching. I zone in and focus on the work. 

Camille A. Brown

DD:  Describe what the audience will see at the upcoming performance at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

CAB: Yes! The Company is performing a work that we premiered in 2017 called ‘ink’. It celebrates the gestural language of African American culture through my lens. These movements are used to tell stories of love, brotherhood, and community. The Company includes our musicians as well who will be performing on stage. We dance about being a community and we really are one. 

DD: Is it the same show on both days?  If not, please describe each show.

CAB: It’s the same show, but I always say we are different from who we were yesterday. We’re going to bring our present selves to the space. It’s not about recreating what we did the night before. We’re taking the same journey but are open to discovering new things.

DD:  How do you come up with the narrative for your shows?

CAB: It normally starts with a feeling. The inspiration behind 'ink' was wanting to celebrate Black Joy. What that looked like in some manifestations. I say some because there are so many ways we can show what Black Joy looks like. This is just my way. 

DD:  What is the story you’re trying to convey?

CAB: Gestural language and history living in the body to create Black joy and community. 

DD: What is it about dance?  What does it do for you?

CAB: I used to get teased about my voice when I was younger, so I didn’t always want to speak. Dance gave me the space to share my voice.

'Oppenheimer' and 'Succession' Dominate The 81st Golden Globes

By Darlene Donloe

The 81st Golden Globes honored the best in film and American television of 2023.  The ceremony aired live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on CBS on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. PST.  

The show's host was comedian, Jo Koy, whose opening monologue drew mixed reactions from the stars and entertainment execs in attendance.

In 2021, the Los Angeles Times documented to lack of Black members within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which presented the awards, and potential ethical transgressions related to the oversized influence of its then-roster of 87 international journalists. 

The ethics, finance, and diversity scandal within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association led to the cancellation of the 2022 broadcast.  The Golden Globes were sold in 2023 and the Hollywood Foreign Press dissolved.

Below is a complete list of winners.

Best Motion Picture – Drama
Anatomy of a Fall
Killers of the Flower Moon
Maestro
Oppenheimer *WINNER
Past Lives
The Zone of Interest

Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy
Air
American Fiction
Barbie
The Holdovers
May December
Poor Things *WINNER

Best Motion Picture – Animated
The Boy and the Heron *WINNER
Elemental
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Suzume
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Wish

Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement
Barbie *WINNER
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
John Wick: Chapter 4
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Oppenheimer
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language
Anatomy of a Fall (France) *WINNER
Fallen Leaves (Finland)
Io Capitano (Italy)
Past Lives (United States)
Society of the Snow (Spain)
The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
Annette Bening, Nyad
Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon *WINNER
Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall
Carey Mulligan, Maestro
Greta Lee, Past Lives
Cailee Spaeny, Priscilla

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

Bradley Cooper, Maestro

Leonardo DiCaprio, Killers of the Flower Moon

Colman Domingo, Rustin

Barry Keoghan, Saltburn

Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer *WINNER

Andrew Scott, All of Us Stranger

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple
Jodie Foster, Nyad
Julianne Moore, May December
Rosamund Pike, Saltburn
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers *WINNER

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Willem Dafoe, Poor Things
Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon
Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer *WINNER
Ryan Gosling, Barbie
Charles Melton, May December
Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Nicolas Cage, Dream Scenario
Timothée Chalamet, Wonka
Matt Damon, Air
Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers *WINNER
Joaquin Phoenix, Beau Is Afraid
Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Fantasia Barrino, The Color Purple
Jennifer Lawrence, No Hard Feelings
Natalie Portman, May December
Alma Pöysti, Fallen Leaves
Margot Robbie, Barbie
Emma Stone, Poor Things *WINNER

Best Director — Motion Picture
Bradley Cooper (Maestro)
Greta Gerwig (Barbie)
Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things)
Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) *WINNER
Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon)
Celine Song (Past Lives)

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Barbie
Tony McNamara, Poor Things
Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer
Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon
Celine Song, Past Lives
Justine Triet, Arthur Harari, Anatomy of a Fall *WINNER

Best Original Score – Motion Picture
Jerskin Fendrix, Poor Things
Ludwig Göransson, Oppenheimer *WINNER
Mica Levi, The Zone of Interest
Daniel Pemberton, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Robbie Robertson, Killers of the Flower Moon
The Boy and the Heron

Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“Addicted to Romance,” Bruce Springsteen (She Came to Me)
“Dance the Night,” Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt (Barbie)
“I’m Just Ken,” Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt (Barbie)
“Peaches,” Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Eric Osmond & John Spiker (The Super Mario Bros. Move)
“Road to Freedom,” Lenny Kravitz (Rustin)
“What Was I Made For?” Billie Eilish & Finneas (Barbie) *Winner

Best Television Series – Drama
Succession (HBO/Max) *WINNER
The Crown (Netflix)
The Diplomat (Netflix)
The Last of Us (HBO/Max)
1923 (Paramount+)
The Morning Show (Apple TV+)

Best Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Barry (HBO/Max)
Jury Duty (Amazon Freevee)
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
The Bear (FX) *WINNER

Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
All the Light We Cannot See (Netflix)
Beef (Netflix) *WINNER
Daisy Jones & the Six (Amazon)
Fargo (FX)
Fellow Travelers (Showtime)
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series – Drama
Helen Mirren (1923)
Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us)
Keri Russell (The Diplomat)
Sarah Snook (Succession) *WINNER
Imelda Staunton (The Crown)
Emma Stone (The Curse)

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series – Drama
Brian Cox (Succession)
Kieran Culkin (Succession) *WINNER
Gary Oldman (Slow Horses)
Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us)
Jeremy Strong (Succession)
Dominic West (The Crown)

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary)
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear *WINNER
Elle Fanning (The Great)
Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building)
Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face) 

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Bill Hader (Barry)
Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building)
Jason Segel (Shrinking)
Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building)
Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)
Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) *WINNER

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television

Riley Keough, Daisy Jones & the Six

Brie Larson, Lessons in Chemistry

Elizabeth Olsen, Love & Death

Juno Temple, Fargo

Rachel Weisz, Dead Ringers

Ali Wong, Beef *WINNER

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television

Matt Bomer, Fellow Travelers

Sam Claflin, Daisy Jones & the Six

Jon Hamm, Fargo

Woody Harrelson, White House Plumbers

David Oyelowo, Lawmen: Bass Reeves

Steven Yeun, Beef *WINNER

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role on Television 

Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown *WINNER

Abby Elliott, The Bear

Christina Ricci, Yellowjackets

J. Smith-Cameron, Succession

Meryl Streep, Only Murders in the Building

Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role on Television 

Billy Crudup, The Morning Show

Matthew Macfadyen (Succession) *WINNER

James Marsden (Jury Duty)

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear 

Alan Ruck (Succession)

Alexander Skarsgård (Succession)

Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television

Chris Rock (Selective Outrage)

Sarah Silverman (Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love)

Wanda Sykes (I’m an Entertainer)

Ricky Gervais (Ricky Gervais Armageddon) *WINNER

Trevor Noah (Trevor Noah: Where Was I)

Amy Schumer (Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact)