New Underground Railroad Residency and its Partners

New Residency in Development

Young Audiences is developing an Underground Railroad in Western New York Residency, with generous support from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. This multidisciplinary series of workshops will explore the history of the Underground Railroad, while also addressing contemporary racial and ethnic disparities in Western New York.

The project's lead teaching artist, Annette Daniels-Taylor, has explored many of the racial and ethnic issues surrounding the subject with her award winning play, “A Little Bit of Paradise,” premiered by Road Less Traveled Productions in 2008.

Call to Artists

In relation to this project, Young Audiences is issuing a call to area African American artists who may have an interest in becoming teaching artists. Such individuals or groups are invited to contact the organization at 881-0917 or info [at] yawny [dot] org (email us). They should provide a one-page proposal and brief work sample (DVD, CD, images, or written work), of an arts-based, 45-minute workshop or performance about the Underground Railroad's role in WNY history.  The deadline for these submissions is November 30.

Partner Spotlight

Thanks go to the Ujima Theatre Company for dedicating its Loft Theatre in the early spring of 2010 for community workshops to develop this reisdency. We are also grateful to its Ujima's Artistic Director, Lorna C. Hill, for devoting her energies and wisdom to the project.

We're looking forward to attending Ujima's Pro Love Tour on November 20th at 8pm. This gathering of artists, poets, dancers, and musicians will celebrate the many ways unconditional love can transform our relationships with each other and our community. You can visit their website for more details.

The Pro Love Tour will take place at the Historic Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster Street North Tonawanda. Box office: 692-2413. Tickets Available at www.rivieratheatre.org or by calling Amilcar Hill at 480-8542.