Theater
Through the dramatization of personal letters, LETTERS FROM ZORA explores Hurston’s controversial views on integration, segregation and social justice showcasing a life that was filled with artistic triumphs as well as abject poverty and self-doubt. Veteran actress Vanessa Bell Calloway plays the role of Zora in this provocative multimedia production directed by Anita Dashiell-Sparks and written by novelist Gabrielle Pina. With live music composed by Ron McCurdy and archival images collected by Margie Labadie, LETTERS FROM ZORA will illuminate Hurston’s prose, her life, her distinctive array of friends and foes and her unique view of a jazz-age world.
“LETTERS FROM ZORA is an untold story about the unbridled creativity of Zora Neale Hurston: writer, anthropologist, voodoo priestess and overall Renaissance woman determined to live and die by her own mind,” stated writer Gabrielle Pina. “This production offers a passionate glimpse of history, music, and artistry intended to illuminate her life, her extraordinary career and her immeasurable contributions to the American literary canon.”
LETTERS FROM ZORA
Starring Vanessa Bell Calloway
Written by Gabrielle Pina
Directed by Anita Dashiell-Sparks
With Live Music Composed By Ron McCurdy
Complete Theater Work:
Broadway Theater:
DREAMGIRLS (Original Company) Dir. Michael Bennett
BRING BACK BIRDIE Dir. Joe Layton
Off Broadway Theater:
DREAMING OF HARLEM UNDER A HIGH SOUTHERN SKY Los Angeles
LETTERS FROM ZORA Los Angeles, NY
SEVEN GUITARS Kennedy Center
PIANO LESSON Los Angeles
THE DIVORCE Los Angeles
A... MY NAME IS ALICE NYC
EL BRAVO NYC
As I prepared for my day I listen to interview today with Ms. Pena, Ms. Sparks and yourself this morning. I thoroughly enjoyed the down to earth conversation. No pretense. At any rate. I listen to the late Ruby Dee read “Their Eyes Were Watching God”. I truly enjoyed hearing Ruby Dee. I know it’s past the fact but any chance the show coming to Arena Stage in DC?
I’ve always appreciated Ms Calloway’s diversity of her art form!!! Will you be running the Stage play of Zora again and if so will you be coming through Miami?? Love your work and would LOVE to see the play!!!
How can I see the play or receive a video of “Letters From Zora?”