Nuafrikan Theatre Reemerges in Gentrified Harlem; the Award Winning Play Dream Deferred Premieres April 19, 2012 at the 133rd Street Arts Center in Harlem, NY

New York, NY, March 04, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Dream Deferred is a one-act play that explores gentrification in Harlem through the monologues of African American residents of a pre-war building, whose survival is threatened by the newly built condominium across their street. In the aftermath of a devastating building fire, its tenants are forced out into the streets facing the looming, pink walls of a high-rise building that has overshadowed their community with an otherworldly presence. They share stories of love and hate for Harlem and their views on the recent changes in their neighborhood. Racial tensions climax as a riot ensues, resulting in a standoff as these Harlem natives strive to reclaim their home. The cast will include Bisa Y. Dawes, Shannon Harris, Richard Mays, Eddie K. Robinson, Donald Paul, and features Douglas Wade, and Johnnie Mae, an OOBR Award winning actress and two-time recipient of the AUDELCO Award.

Presented as part of the NuAFrikan Theatre NuWorks series, Dream Deferred will run 13 performances from April 19-29, 2012 at the 133rd Street Arts Center located at 308 West 133rd Street, Harlem, New York. Performances are at 7:00 PM on Tuesday – Saturday evenings, with matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00 PM, and Sunday at 3:00 PM. General tickets are $20 at the door and are available at the 133rd Street Arts Center box office one hour before curtain or by calling the box office at 347-855- 7281. Advance online tickets are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors, students, and artists at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/232872.

Under the executive direction of Deborah Sitton-Garvin, NuAFrikan Theatre’s mission is to produce original, contemporary, and classic theatre in order to engage, educate and empower communities through the African-American experience. NuAFrikan Theatre seeks to further pioneer the artistic development and diversity of contemporary theatre, in addition to preserving the art of traditional theatre forms. The company’s goal is to draw new audiences to theatre, foster and develop aspiring new talent, and introduce appealing and stimulating theatre to communities where it may otherwise be inaccessible.

The NuAFrikan Theatre NuWorks series supports the development and production of works by emerging playwrights, through playwriting mentorships, staged readings and producing new plays. Marcus Dargan, Artistic Director of NuAFrikan Theatre, stated, “As a company of artists, we are driven by our desire to see theatre in our communities that is relevant, innovative, refreshing, insightful, electrifying, inspirational and of great artistry.”

Marcus Dargan is a recipient of the Jacob A. Weiser Playwright Award and was last seen in the role created by Ken Page in Ain’t Misbehavin’ with the Harlem Repertory Theatre, garnering five AUDELCO Award nominations. He is the author of the play Antichrist Lament, which received workshop performances at the Manhattan Theatre Source PlayGround Development Series, Nuyorican Poet's Cafe, and NuAFrikan Theatre NuWorks series.

For complete ticket and schedule information or to order your tickets today, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/232872.

Press materials are available at http://www.nuafrikantheatre.org/press.

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