Passing Ceremonies (Event Over)

Check out our re-mounting of Passing Ceremonies at Nuyorican Poets Café, Nov, 5-21, on Thursdays – Saturdays , 7PM. If you like plays that are “promising” and “new” with “sharp characterization” and “glistening performance”, then you will want to see Passing Ceremonies, a story by Steve Willis, about an imagined meeting between poets Bruce Nugent and Essex Hemphill in the afterlife. Sue Lawless directs Passing Ceremonies, which stars Bryan Webster, James Edward Becton III, Amand Valdes and Tom Martin. Tickets are inexpensive, $15 -20, with discounts available for groups of 10 or more, students with ID and seniors. Tickets can be ordered on line, nuyorican.org; by phone, 212-780-386; or pay at the door.

Also, Nugent estate executor, Thomas Wirth, will be signing copies of Nugent’s Gentlemen Jigger, a roman a clef about the Harlem Renaissance literati and gangsters; Fire!!, a faithful reproduction of the literary landmark that was the first and only issue of this rare Harlem Renaissance periodical. It includes two Nugent drawings and his short story "Smoke, Lilies and Jade" which established Nugent as a pioneering black gay writer The third book is Gay Rebel of the Harlem Renaissance: Selections from the Work of Richard Bruce Nugent. All book signings precede the performance at 6:30PM, and are scheduled for Nov. 5-7, 12, 19 and 21.

In addition, there will be reproductions of Nugent’s drawings on display during the run.

“promising new play” . . . “sharp characteristic” . . . “Bryan Webster’s glistening performance… mixes humor, inelligence, perceptic and grace” Backstage.com Enjoy some drinks while you watch the show!