. . . so-LAZE around or choose a To-Do!
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Greetings!
 Congratulations to Natasha, Matthew and Pete, each a winner of two tickets to see A House with No Walls at TimeLine Theatre Company! I have three more pairs of tickets to give away to three lucky Sophisticates next week - if you have subscribed to the "General Interest" list!
A House with No Walls raises issues that are ripe for discussion. However, the demographics of the audience on the afternoon that I attended made the post-performance discussion both frustrating and inadequate. As I looked around the full house and realized that I was amongst only four African-Americans in attendance, I was reminded of one of the reasons that I started Soleil's To-Dos. There are numerous events in Chicago that have cultural and/or African-American themes that we just don't hear about - events that we should attend, as they are potentially enriching and thought-provoking. I attended another play by Thomas Gibson, Permanent Collection - at Northlight Theatre, and found the same thing: an audience that absolutely lacked cultural diversity.
I encourage you to see A House with No Walls and to discuss it. I'm even willing to provide a forum for you to do so! If sufficient people are interested, I'll arrange for group attendance, followed by dinner and discussion. E-mail me to let me know whether you'd like to participate!
As always, I also encourage you to share Soleil's To-Dos with the folks on your numerous distribution lists! I know you have them - professional organizations, sororities, fraternities, colleagues - and I want them, too!!! If you find value in these newsletters, if you find To-Dos at www.so-LAZE.com that you don't find anywhere else, if you enjoy the convenience of finding abundant To-Dos on one site (and I know you do or else you wouldn't still be subscribed), I'm sure you can think of a whole lotta folks who would also appreciate what Soleil's To-Dos has to offer! Yeah, I'm doin' it - I'm asking for your active support! And I thank you in advance!
Looking for more To-Do? Well, you won't find a listing in this issue, but you'll find it at www.so-LAZE.com! Make it a fabulous weekend!
Stephanie!
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| THEATER REVIEW: A House With No Walls |
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I'm giving Lauren a break this week as I have somewhat overwhelmed her time with theater! I hadn't expected to write this review, but here are my reflections . . .
The backdrop of A House with No Walls is the erection of the American Museum of Liberty on the site of President George Washington's Philadelphia home and the controversial discovery of slave quarters located there. During President Washington's residence at the home, law provided that after six months of continuous residence, any slave that was the owned by a non-resident of Philadelphia could apply for freedom. President Washington evaded this law by systematically returning his slaves to Virginia, his State of permanent residence, prior to the expiration of this six-month period. After remaining in Virginia for as little as a single day, the slaves could be returned to Philadelphia and the six-month clock would again run.
In the present day, as knowledge of this historical fact became more widespread, African-Americans began to protest what they perceived as the inadequate deference that the Museum proposed to give to the site of the slave quarters and its historical significance. A battle ensues between the conservative and liberal African-American approaches to addressing the issue.
On the conservative side is Cadence Lane, portrayed by Amber Starr Friendly, who struggles to balance her role as the head of the Museum's decision-making panel (of which she is the only African-American) and her commitment and desire to contribute to the relief of racial tensions. She battles accusations from her peers that she has abandoned her obligations to her race as she asserts her belief that it is time to move away from attempts to make whites feel guilty for a racist past in which they did not participate.
On the other hand, the liberal Salif Camera, portrayed by A.C. Smith, stokes the fires of America's refusal to acknowledge the painful legacy of slavery and continued injustices. He stands at the forefront of the protest, challenging the Museum administrators, the current President's refusal to apologize for slavery and Cadence's shameful participation in yet another trivialization of our African-American ancestors. [More]
Stephanie!
If you'd like to share Your Take - e-mail me!
A House with No Walls continues through December 21st at TimeLine Theatre Company. For more information about the themes and issues raised in A House with No Walls, check out the Study Guide. |
| RESTAURANT REVIEW: Veerasway |
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Chicago's Randolph Street, in the West Loop, is lined with restaurants that are frequented by foodies from all over the city. The new kid on the block is Veerasway, a modern and fresh Indian cuisine inspired restaurant.
Veerasway is fast becoming the place to go for Indian food. Click on the image above to check out Veerasway on Fete Select TV, as we give you an inside look into this new hot spot! |
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Advertise with Soleil's To-Dos!
Whether you seek cultural diversity or target the urban, African-American, Chicago market, by advertising with Soleil's To-Dos, your organization will reach Sophisticates who are active socially and professionally. Whether your organization sponsors events, engages in sales or services, we have a marketing option that will suit your needs. Visit our Advertising Page for information on website and e-mail marketing options! Contact Advertising@so-LAZE.com to discuss a package catered to your needs.
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