As many of you may know, the choice of director is key to having a successful production-especially when you’re working on a new play, as this is. The story behind this is-Emily Mann, the artistic director of the McCarter Theatre was going to direct the piece. About six months ago she phoned me to say that her schedule was such that she didn’t think she had the time necessary to do the play justice-she was to direct a revival of her critically and commercially acclaimed play “having our Say,” plus a new Edward Albee play she was slated to direct was headed to Broadway. She told me that she still planned on producing the work, but didn’t think she could direct. Bummer…but what can you do? I could only think of one person that would understand the piece, in its complexities and in its rhythm, and that was Des McAnuff.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. McAnuff on several occasions, and I always dug his energy. He was the one responsible for bringing my musical “The Seven” to the La Jolla Playhouse when he was the artistic director there. I didn’t know if he had the time to direct the play, due to the fact that he runs the biggest theatre in Canada, and frequently produces and directs on Broadway. But all you can do is ask right? And after reading the script and working out his schedule, I am happy to say that he has signed on to direct the world premiere of “Fetch Clay, Make Man.” Rehearsals begin in December for a January 8th opening. I’m excited to work with Des on this project. Read the announcement here.
This is the third episode of the series being released by 24/7townhall.org. We filmed the first two episodes in L.A., and this one was shot in my place of origin-The Fillmore District in San Francisco. The producer of the series, my ace boon Mohammad Bilal, wanted to film these in the old neighborhood, to give it the old school feel I guess. Plus to be quite honest, we both happened to be in the area at the same time, so why fly to L.A. to do what you can do in the Bay? The wall that provides the back drop (check for a wicked painting of Duke Ellington playing piano) is actually the exterior to the cultural center where me and Mo both got our theatrical start. We used to take acting and dance classes at the center, while brothers sold crack across the street, we were in drama class acting out scenes of the brothers selling crack. Art and life and all that jive. Anyway it was fun, and a bit surreal to be back playing a character in front of the place where it all started. Big up to my folks in Fillmo! And check out the first two episodes if you wanna, as Old School Rapper would say-stay fresh!!!!!!!!!
See episode here:Old School Rapper: You Can’t Fool!
Posted in OLD SCHOOL RAPPER, VIDEO | Tagged 24/7 Town Hall, 24/7townhall.org, Fillmo, O.S.R., Old School Hip Hop, OLD SCHOOL RAPPER, One Economy, the fillmore district, theatre, Will Power |
I’m two sessions in as the Kaye Artist in Residence at the City University of New York. So far its been “hella” fun. God willing the inspiration I’m receiving will continue. Here’s the CCNY press release
The McCarter Theatre Center has just received the 2009 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award for the upcoming premiere of my new piece, “Fetch Clay, Make Man.”Given to only 10 theatres throughout the country, the award “supports an extension of the rehearsal period with the goal of achieving a stronger first production, which will hopefully increase the chances of a continued life for the plays.”
For more info on the Edgarton Award click here.
For info on my play “Fetch Clay, Make Man,” and the other productions receiving the honor, click here
Posted in FETCH CLAY MAKE MAN, NEWS | Tagged 2009 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award, FETCH CLAY, FETCH CLAY MAKE MAN, Make Man, McCarter Theatre Center, TCG, Theatre Communications Group, Theatre in New Jersey, Theatre in the New York Area, theatre in the Tri-State area, Will Power |
This summer was an amazing one for me. Two weeks ago I was in South Africa on a 12 day tour sponsored by the State Department (more on that later), but the early part of the season found me in Tanzania. I traveled there with the International Theatre & Literacy project-and for almost three weeks I worked with an inspiring group of secondary School students, helping them to create an original theatre piece that would then be shown at their school and for the entire village. During my free time, I found myself freestyling with MCs from the Mera and Masai tribes, cutting tracks in a studio owned by old School black Panthers that now live and operate in Africa, and enjoying many late night conversations with theatre artists and East African travelers. 
Initially, I was thinking about posting all the pictures from my trip. I eventually decided, however, to post only one A day before the first show, the students took me and my co-teacher Sarah Beaver on a walk though the village that surrounds their school. They showed us a church, a cemetary, as well as many plantations growing things like bananas and red beans. To them it was second nature, but for me being from the city, it was wonderfully strange and new. I wanted to show this picture because it is my belief that when you teach , you almost always learn just as much. Many thanks to my folks in Tanzania
Posted in NEWS | Tagged African Theatre, Arusha, East African Theatre, I.T.L.P.m International Theatre & Literacy Project, ITLP, Tanzania, Tanzanian arts and culture, Tengeru, theatre, Will Power, youth theatre |
Today I received some fantastic news. This fall I will be the Kaye Guest Artist in Residence at The City College of New York. This much sought after position was obtained through invitation only, and it gives me the opportunity to teach an amazing group of students my unique form of theatre over the course of an entire semester. I also will be performing at the University (more to come on this later), and the students themselves will give a theatrical presentation once the course is completed.
Teaching in "Little Haiti" section of Miami
What I’m excited about, in addition to this unique and wonderful opportunity, is the blessing that this position allows. I will be working at an incredible university, preparing for the world premiere of my new play Fetch Clay, Make Man, AND I will be able to be home in New York for the rest of the year, making short trips to England, west coast, and Africa, but nothing too long that pulls me away from the family. It’s a tricky balance as an artist, particularly one that tours extensively. I am grateful for all opportunities that comes my way, but having the space to be creative, expanding career opportunities, AND being with my wife and children is something that is truly golden! Here’s to more opportunities such as these! And here’s to all the wonderful teachers everywhere-where would we be without you!
What up everybody!
I’ve just been named 1 of 25 artists who will more than likely influence American theatre over the next 25 years. The vote of confidence was given by American Theatre Magazine, the largest and most respected journal in the field. I have to say, it’s a thrill and an honor to be in the company of such great artists as Sarah Ruhl, Claudia Alick, Young Jean Lee, and many others that I respect and admire. Check out the feature on me, as well as the other 24 artist profiles here: American Theatre Magazine: At 25: An Eye on the Future
Fetch Clay, Make Man at the McCarter Theatre Center
The McCarter Theatre Center, one of the most exciting and influential regional theatres in the country, is set to premiere my most recent play, entitled FETCH CLAY, MAKE MAN. I’ve been working on this one for about two years now. We’ve had several readings, plus one more coming up in June. We then go into rehearsals for the production in December and it opens in January 2010.
I’m really excited about this one yall. You can see the connections to my previous work, yet it’s definitely a new level of growth for me as a playwright I think. Also, we’re in the process of confirming the cast, and I can tell you we have some incredibly amazing and dare I say legendary people who plan to be a part of the production. Can’t say who yet, but I’ll post it-you all will be the first to know!
Here’s the link for more information: Fetch Clay, Make Man at the McCarter Theatre Center Please put it on your calendar, and we’ll see you there.
Here’s my appearance on The Colbert Report for my play The Seven. Steven Colbert was great to connect with on and off camera. First thing when I arrived at the studio, he introduced himself and said “now you know I”m going to throw a lot of ignorance at you…” I of course, like most folks I know are big fans, so I was hip (to a certain extent) to what was coming. So I said to him “bring it on man,” to which he said, “yes, I will, I will bring on the ignorance.” Still, though I’d seen the show many times before, and though I knew that he was doing an O’Reilly impression and is not actually O’Reilly, his job is still to make you look somewhat like a fool! He did that as well, but I got in a few good ones I think. Check the episode out and tell me what you think!
Will Power
