Black Theatre, Education, and the “Black Arts Movement” (w/ J.e. Franklin)
The guest for this episode is renowned playwright, author, educator, and activist J.e. Franklin. Ms. Franklin is the founder and producing artistic director of Harlem's Blackgirl Ensemble Theater, Inc. and has written numerous plays, including the seminal "Black Girl," which has been produced for stage, TV, and film. We discuss her decision to make her home in New York City, after growing up in Houston and her time volunteering with Fannie Lou Hamer and Bob Moses in Mississippi.
Ms. Franklin reveals how she became involved in theatre and explains the connection between theatre and education, speaking eloquently about the need to incorporate philosophy and participatory practices when teaching children.
In addition, Ms. Franklin recounts the many Black writers, poets, playwrights, actors, and musicians that thrived in Greenwich Village and Harlem in the 60s and 70s in what would come to be known as "The Black Arts Movement."
Finally, Ms. Franklin details the issues she had with the film adaptation of "Black Girl" and lays out why she wasn't a good fit for Hollywood.
Listen to full episode:
Episode Notes:
Black Girl
Willie Mae Washington
U.N. Resolution to Declare The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade a Crime Against Humanity
“Heatwave”-- Martha Reeves & The Vandellas