Multi Media Project Proposal: Adria & Chase

Background/Intro

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville presents its 25th anniversary Black Theatre Workshop Legacy show. For 25 years, SIUE has illuminated Black theatre students to showcase their stories, talents, and history. The black creatives involved are given a chance to be themselves in either pieces that they have written, pieces written by esteemed black playwrights or that are from the previous Black theater showcases.The Black Theatre Workshop students were eager to express their stories and upraise their voices whether it be in song or in protest. For this special anniversary, it not only celebrates the 25th year, but the legacy of artistic director Kathryn Bentley as she retires in May of 2024. . Bringing back esteemed alum and devoted students to bring to life a momentous showcase as a last hurrah and dedication for the woman who has helped breathe life into these shows for many years. This is why this story is so newsworthy.

MM Project

For the multimedia project, our collection of photos are to help showcase the end product of what these Black creatives and Ms. Bentley has spent months conjuring up. It will be a slide show of sorts that will display the different segments, vast characters, audience, and emotional ending. As well as photos of before and after the show, and the decor and setup of the front entrance and some short clips to preview. Photos will be paired with captions and/or quotes.

After viewing the show and taking pictures, we spoke to audience members and crew and got their perspectives and thoughts on the show. This will allow insight, for those who were not able to attend, just the kind of impact this show has on not only the audience but those involved. It may even encourage them to attend or even partake in the next one. Interviews for the audience members and crew were on site. However interviews for the performers and Ms. Bentley were conducted via email to accommodate for their hectic schedules as they had a full week of shows. Even a special two-show Sunday featuring pieces performed by BTW alum as tribute and celebration of Ms. Bentley’s last show.

Importance

This topic is important because it allows students to proudly display their identity through a beautifully expressive craft special to them and give homage to other black creatives who helped break the barriers. As well as making their own performaces to reveal their multifaceted skill level of both writing and acting. This legacy show also provides a safe space and community among Black theatre students to partake in roles typically not seen or given at predominantly white universities. It is a chance for Black students to experience pride in their craft  and leadership, as there are student directors in this show that will aid the way for the upcoming generation of Black creatives. With this being both students’ first and last theatre workshop, it is integral that they help inspire each other for what is to come. As Kathryn Bentley has highlighted, “That’s the importance of Black Theatre Workshop.”