THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022 • 15
Arts & Entertainment Film/TV pg 16 | Art pg 17 | Travel pg 19 | Jazz pg 21
Pg. 18 Your Stars
3 new Black books to explore: nonfiction, memoir and poetry By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH Special to the AmNews Three prominent Black writers have new books emerging this year. The trailblazing music editor and journalist Danyel Smith has written a memoir entitled, “Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop,” poet and Miles Davis biographer Quincy Troupe has released a comprehensive collection of his poetry, “Duende: Poems, 1966 - Now,” and the New York Times best-selling author Resmaa Menakem has written a new book that explores the January 6th Insurrection entitled, “The Quaking of America: An Embodied Guide to Navigating Our Nation’s Upheaval and Racial Reckoning.” The books are, of course, diverse. But the thread that ties them together is each book’s ability to bring big ideas and topics (history of pop music, a large volume of poetry, and the tragedy of the insurrection) into coherence, and more importantly into a story. These three authors are experts in their field and are all deserving of their successful careers as published writers. These books are recommended for
been writing this history for more than five years. But as a music fan, and then as an essayist, editor (Vibe, Billboard), and podcast host (Black Girl Songbook), she has been living this history since she was a latchkey kid listening to “Midnight Train to Georgia” on the family stereo. —Penguin Random House
readers who hope to connect more deeply with Black voices and unique perspectives on poetry, politics and arts and culture.
and at the same time sees something over your shoulder that others don’t see yet, maybe a distant storm gathering over the waters, something we’re going to need to rise up and face soon “Duende: Poems, 1966-Now” by enough. —Penguin Random House Quincy Troupe Troupe is a generous and gregari“Shine Bright: A Very Personal ous poet in this giant offering that in- History of Black Women in Pop” by cludes many new poems, as well as Danyel Smith a selection chosen from across his A weaving of biography, criticism, eleven previously published volumes. and memoir, “Shine Bright” is Danyel What’s remarkable is the constancy, Smith’s intimate history of Black the energy, and how he’s always look- women’s music as the foundationing right at you in the here and now, al story of American pop. Smith has
“The Quaking of America: An Embodied Guide to Navigating Our Nation’s Upheaval and Racial Reckoning” by Resmaa Menakem Through the coordinated repetition of lies, anti-democratic elements in American society are working to incite mass radicalization, widespread chaos, and a collective trauma response in tens of millions of American bodies. Currently, most of us are utterly unprepared for this potential mayhem. This book can help prepare us—and possibly prevent further destruction. In “The Quaking of America,” therapist and trauma specialist Resmaa Menakem takes readers through somatic processes addressing the growing threat of white-supremacist political violence. —Central Recovery Press
‘Arden’ not your usual bill of theatrical fare By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews
and co-director of the production), able at first, but slowly your defensCarrie Mae Weems, Nia Witherspoon es may go down and you may start to (another co-director) and Jack Fuller buy into participating. “Arden: But, Not Without You!” play- (co-music director). The cast enThe cast shares stories of their ing at The Flea at 20 Thomas Street, is deavors to speak truth to the ugly lives and then turns to the audience a very unusual theatrical experience, things that have happened to dif- members and asks them questions which attempts to create a space where ferent ethnic groups; they call the about themselves—their hopes, their cast members and audience can look at the negativity of the world and try to find a way that we can all come together. The production depends a great deal upon the audience interacting with the cast members, as scenarios are brought up and audience members are asked what they would do. There is a feeling of trying to learn lessons on human behavior from our wise elders, a feeling of us needing to acknowledge the wrongs done to many of us, but also learning Diana Oh and Jack Fuller in “Arden But, Not Without You” (Hunter Canning photo) to forgive them, so that we can come together and find common ground events out and then try to create a dreams, and how they are feeling at and peace. spiritual approach. The audience is that present moment. There’s someThe piece includes material from invited to go into a place of serenity thing intriguing about being in a Okwui Okpokwasili. The seven cast as you hum with the cast, who alter- theater that is presenting an unconmembers include Peter Born, Sharae nate between humming and singing. ventional work and suddenly, as an Moultrie, Diana Oh (co-music di- This is not a theatrical experience audience member, being in the spotrector), Niegel Smith (who is also one might expect. In some ways it light. But the atmosphere was one of the artistic director of “The Flea” may make you feel a bit uncomfort- compassion and humor, which was
interesting. While all the cast had different roles at times, it was Diana Oh who led the way, often singing and encouraging the audience. Her voice is incredible. She has a gift that thrills the listener and makes you want to hear more. A large part of this production involved improvisation, and Oh handled it with energy, humor and grace, and was able to relax audience members to the point of getting them to engage with her and answer questions. Smith often participated and had fun with what was happening under his supervision; Jack Fuller has a magnificently stunning voice; and the production has marvelous music by an all-female band that includes Serena Ebony Miller on bass, Bernice “Boom Boom” Brooks on percussion and Viva DeConcini on guitar. The production will end March 13. I don’t know what you expect when you go to the theater, but if you are open to the unexpected you may want to consider this production. Just be warned it is not the usual bill of fare. Visit theflea.org/shows/arden/ for more info.
