Marc Marcel has been declared, “One of the most controversial and consciously aware spoken word artists ever,” by radio host Palmetto Star. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, Marcel was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 10.
“It took me over a decade into my profession for me to realize poetry isn’t my gift,” Marc reveals, “Poetry is just a tool I’ve been using, to spread my gift through.” With his many artistic outlets, it is difficult to restrict himself to the labels of the art form. If one were to categorize his efforts, a philosopher would be more fitting.
AntiCone
Inspired by Sophocles’ Antigone, AntiCone is the largely wordless story of an immigrant who is put to work building a wall against her country of origin (and, therefore, her brothers), under the dangerous eye of new leader, Creon, and against the pull of her ancient namesake. Scored by the evocative and visceral original music of Alexander Nikitin, the play combines physical theatre, clowning, and audience interaction, with unique, powerful dances choreographed and performed by Moscow-trained Natasha Mirny as Antigone. Tia Shearer, who has been called one of DC’s “most versatile actors” (BroadwayWorld) and a “straight up chameleon” (DC Theatre Scene), plays the five characters surrounding Antigone, including Creon, her brother, and the Chorus. The team is rounded out by 25 bright orange traffic cones. AntiCone was awarded funding through the Montgomery County government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County for its premiere just outside Washington, DC in the fall 2017. It was also an official selection of FringeNYC festival in the fall 2018 and BorderLight International Festival in the summer 2019. The show is 50 minutes long and recommended for ages 13 and up.
Details: 50 minutes run time
Femi Lawal or Femi the DriFish has been a professional spoken word artist and slam poet for more than 10 years. Best known as one half of the spoken word/Hip Hop-influenced duo, THE 5th L, and the frontman for the Hip-Hop Rock band the Out of Water eXperience, Femi uses his artistry to encourage his listeners to discover their own unique voices and identities in his writings, performances, and teachings.
Israeli-born Noa Baum is an internationally acclaimed storyteller and author. With mesmerizing voices, impeccable timing, and warm authenticity Noa captivates audiences of all ages, with stories drawn from diverse cultures that highlight our similarities, celebrate our differences and encourage curiosity, and acceptance. In a world where peace is a challenge in the schoolyard and beyond, Noa’s work builds bridges of understanding and compassion.
Black Matter Lives
This video titled Black Matter Lives is a crankie performance that debuted in February 2021 at the Festival of Miniature Crankies organized by the Western Massachusetts's Puppetry Guild. It was also part of a virtual event in March 2021 called the Spaghetti Dinner, organized by Great Small Works out of Connecticut.
Black Matter Lives is dedicated to all those that act with dedication toward making a better world for all life on our planet.
Black Matter Lives is dedicated to all those that act with dedication toward making a better world for all life on our planet.
Medium: Puppetry theater/film/illustration
Year: 2021
Details: running time 6:11
Where Are The Believers?
Music Video
Medium: Music Video
Year: 2009
Details: Based on an original Songs with Meaning song
See more information about Talk To Me (Teen Radio)
Teens from AFG's teen program Teens Express perform a mock radio talkshow.
Medium: Audio
Year: 2010
Details: Savoy Bradford passed away 2 years later of heart failure.
The Velvet Rope Experience Arts Showcase presents… a tribute to Janet Jackson
#VRE (The Velvet Rope Experience) is a PREMIERE pop-up visual arts showcase that infuses dope artistry, music, and red velvet-flavored eats, while paying homage to well-known music artists, bands or groups.
The first installment of #VRE will serve as a tribute to global icon JANET JACKSON and also highlight her sixth studio album The Velvet Rope.
The album's title The Velvet Rope is a metaphor for emotional boundaries and speaks to introspection, self-love and inclusion and love for others.
Accordingly, the artwork featured in the exhibit will address subject matters such as depression, self-worth, social networking, domestic violence and sexuality, and ultimately represent creative expressions of love for ALL.
The first installment of #VRE will serve as a tribute to global icon JANET JACKSON and also highlight her sixth studio album The Velvet Rope.
The album's title The Velvet Rope is a metaphor for emotional boundaries and speaks to introspection, self-love and inclusion and love for others.
Accordingly, the artwork featured in the exhibit will address subject matters such as depression, self-worth, social networking, domestic violence and sexuality, and ultimately represent creative expressions of love for ALL.
Year: 2019
We are a theater team founded by stage director and choreographer Natasha Mirny and actor Tia Shearer. Both of us have been in theater for more than 10 years, acting, directing, devising, and running our own theater projects in the US, Russia, and Europe.
We both believe in a theater that unites, heals, and inspires people. In the fall of 2017 we wrote, devised, and produced our show "AntiCone" - a contemporary version of the Sophocles' Antigone story told through the language of interactive physical theater, dance, clowning and traffic cones.
J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford was appointed as the inaugural Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, Maryland in September 2018 to serve a 3-year term supporting and promoting poetry as well as cultural and literary arts in Prince George’s County. She is an author, arts advocate, and produces and has hosted the award-winning poetry-based cable television show, Sojourn with Words since its inception in 2005.