Joseph P. Blake’s Play “Muralista” Ignites Controversy: Gentrification And Exploitation

PHILADELPHIA - May 25, 2013 - PRLog -- First World Theatre Ensemble presents Joseph P. Blake’s MURALISTA under the direction of Christopher Thompson. Muralista takes center stage at First World Theatre Ensemble 8:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 3:00 pm on Sundays June 7, 2013 through June 16, 2013 in The Meeting House Theater at the Community Education Center (CEC) located 3500 Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia, PA 19104. There will be a 7:00pm Wine and Cheese Reception on Opening Night Friday, June 7th and TalkBack on Sunday, June 9, 2013 that immediately follows the 3:00 pm performance. (Note: Play does contain strong language and is recommended for ages 14 and up)

What happens when a young college graduate artist has been commissioned to paint a waterfall on a wall that feels the violence, drugs, and gentrification of its neighborhood? On this day the wall and the neighbors say, "No More!"

Muralista explores the challenges of a community as it struggles against economic forces in a new kind of urban renewal that threatens its very existence. Amidst a simple backdrop, Keith Illidge and Elizabeth Michaels*, along with Miranda Thompson and Toure Aziz, deliver powerful performances and contrasts that make you question both the artistic use and exploitation of the mural art form as a means to an end, or beginning, of a neighborhood. When do good intentions and political and economic gain overpower the voice and cry of a community?

First World Theatre Ensemble’s Playwright-In-Residence, Joseph P. Blake, is a veteran journalist and playwright whose work has been performed nationally, including Off Broadway, and at the National Black Theater Festival in North Carolina. For 26 years he worked as a reporter and editor with the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News, where he covered everything from the release of Nelson Mandela from Robbins Island, to the elevation of Bishop Anthony Bevilaqua to Cardinal in Rome. His interviews of world figures include Pope John Paul II, The Dalai Lama, Arthur Ashe, Oprah Winfrey, Winnie Mandela, Little Richard, ArethaFranklin, Natalie Cole, Walter Cronkite, et al. He is a member of the The Dramatists Guild, Lorraine Hansberry Writer’s Salon, and First World Theatre Ensemble. All 15 of his plays—including three musicals—have been produced and performed on main stages across the country and he co-authored the book, “Personal Renaissance” with F. Abron Franklin.

Christopher Thompson is making his directorial debut with First World. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he graduated from Temple University with a degree in Television/Film and Theater.  He also has worked with several theater companies in the Philadelphia area including Freedom Theater, People's Light and Theater Company, Walnut Street Theater and Art Sanctuary.

First World Theatre Ensemble, founded 2001 by Zuhairah McGill, is the 2012-13 / 2013-14 resident theatre company of the Community Education Center (CEC). First World Theatre is committed to achieving artistic excellence in professional theatre and bringing quality to the stage. Through selected classic and original works that are socially issue driven, First World Theatre Ensemble intends to raise the level of consciousness among community to bring about change through the African American voice.

As the Community Education Center (CEC) was founded by local community members to promote shared experiences and nurture fellowship among its varied neighborhoods across cultural and economic differences, First World Theatre Ensemble tells stories that express and portray the flavor and circumstances of the community, develops outreach programs that allow the voice of the human spirit to be heard through the arts, and ensures when the audience leaves the theater that they are inspired to make a change in themselves and their community.

This production is made possible in partnership with the CEC. For more information contact Zuhairah McGill at (267) 329-9746 or info@firstworldtheatre.biz. Principles available for interview.
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* Actor appears courtesy of Actor's Equity