Embracing Arlington Arts Talks

Director Talvin Wilks expounds in this podcast on the critical importance of the Emmett Till Trilogy of plays and why audience members should see the shows. Also learn how he got into the theater industry and his views on how and why this industry helps spur and continue critical discussions about issues such as racial justice. Rounding out the chat is how the media has been integral to bringing visibility to the vast problem of racism and injustice throughout these many decades. As part of an Embracing Arlington Arts Theater Educational Podcast Series being released next month, what are his views on the issue today and how do we keep the conversation going.

Renowned Playwright Ifa Bayeza offers us such insight and interesting background on her "Till Trilogy" of plays ("The Ballad of Emmett Till," "That Summer in Sumner" (world premiere), and "Benevolence." Summaries of each play, the unique link to another play she was writing that served as the impetus to write this series, what she learned about Emmett Till through her research, and her hope for audience member actions after seeing the shows are some of the topics covered. Also, as part of an Embracing Arlington Arts Theater Educational Podcast Series being released next month, what are her views on the issue today and how do we keep the conversation going.

Visual Artists Nan Morrison and Beth Rhyne were guests on the show to promote the fifth "Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour", also known as AVAST. This is the weekend when artists open up their studios to visitors who can meet artists, see their art up close and watch them create art. This year there is an incredible diversity of artists and art mediums. Also hear from Nan about her artwork and why she has participated in AVAST for all five years.

The new Artistic Director for Mosaic Theater Company Reginald Douglas appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast to give us all the details about his vision for the theater, how he ended up in the theater industry, his views on diversity in the industry and why presenting new work is so important to him. Also we discuss his very exciting upcoming season including the premiere of a repertory run of the entire "Emmett Till Trilogy" of plays and the world premiere of one of those shows "That Summer in Sumner," as well as a formidable 25 collaborative partnership with numerous theaters, organizations and thought leaders to promote the dialogue of racial justice.

The Founder of the recording studio Inner Ear Studio Don Zientara updated us on the status of the venue which has reopened in his basement where it originated. Hear all the history of the studio, some of the many bands who have been there, an exhibit of the Inner Ear Art being held at the Lost Origins Art Gallery, and how he actually got into the recording industry. Also find out about the free outdoor concert being offered by the "South Ivy Street Consortium" band.

Intimacy choreographer Greg Geffrard provided a very interesting chat with us about what exactly his job entails during a theater production. Find out how all about this relatively new theatrical field, how he educates theater performers and crew about navigating the space onstage, when a theater is required to hire an intimacy choreographer and what was the impetus behind this new field being established. Also get all the details about the upcoming production of "The Color Purple" at Signature Theatre.

Beatriz Paz, founder of VIP Impressions, came on the show to offer us some insight into the meeting planning arena. She also shared all the details about the upcoming festival "Viva Cultura!" that she is organizing to help Latino Community artisans run their businesses. Find out what you will see during the day (including music, dance, food and games), how the idea came about for this event, and what types of artwork can be seen and bought (including quilts, jewelry, visual arts, leather and clothing).

The Gallery Director of the Gallery Underground Steena Fullmer gave us a primer on the different types of glass artwork process (stained glass, fusing and glass blowing), as well as her own process for creating beautiful art pieces. Also find out about some exciting events coming up at the Gallery, future shows, how themes are chosen each month for exhibitions, and some signature annual events organized by the Arlington Artists Alliance. And why did she name her company "BuddhaKittyGlass?

Director Michael Page and Actor Lindsey Capuno give us all the details about Dominion Stage's upcoming production of "Firebringer." Postponed due to COVID, the show now is being presented and they tell us what the show is about, its background, insight into StarKid Productions which wrote the play and how the show has undertones of feminism. Also learn about how each got into the theater business.

High school seniors Sofia Parfomak and Kate Stewart appeared on "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" to promote their upcoming July 22 charity concert to benefit the children of Ukraine. Find out what spurred Sofia to organize the event, some of the songs that will be performed, their plans for the future and how singing helped them during the shutdown and pandemic. Truly commendable teenagers!