Lina Lecaro
Today marks a somber and ugly milestone for many, especially in the Black community: the one year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. Beyond eulogy, some seek to reflect, learn and work for change today. Center Theatre Group (the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural nonprofit theater company based in L.A.), is an inspiring example, as they release “George Floyd: The Father of the Reimagined America,” a new poetic video piece aiming to provide some perspective and maybe even a little comfort.
Based on a poem written by John Lee Gaston White, adapted for the screen by John Lee Gaston White and Lakisha May; and directed and produced by May, the piece blends poetry and movement as it ponders Floyd’s death and remembers Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others who were also fatal victims of police brutality.
Zoë McNally appears in “George Floyd: The Father of the Reimagined America.” (Image captured by Hemamset Angaza).
A discussion will also be presented in tandem called “Journey Towards a New American Theatre: George Floyd’s Lasting Impact.” Moderated by arts leader Keryl McCord (founder/CEO of Equity Quotient), the panel will include Jane Elliott (“Blue Eyes, Brown Eyes”), playwright/actress Nikkole Salter (“In the Continuum” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre) and poet White.
Both streamed events promise to consider and commemorate how the world changed following the killing of Floyd and how the horrific video that was subsequently released became a catalyst for BLM protests and a modern-day civil rights movement.
CRG’s streams are both free to view now thru June 25. Poetic piece can screened at CTGLA.org/GeorgeFloyd starting at 10 a.m. Discussion will be livestreamed on YouTube.com/CTGLA at 4 p.m. PST today and will be available on demand to follow, indefinitely.
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