The Nuyorican Poets Cafe

The Nuyorican Poets Café presents Ishmael Reed’s newest play, The Shine Challenge, 2024. A virtual reading directed by Carla Blank.

About the play: Like members of most ethnic groups, the purpose of our schooling was to have us fit into the Anglo mainstream. At home and on the playground, in the absence of books, other story-telling traditions were available, handed down through the generations as part of an oral tradition. However, there was a story-telling tradition that we kept from our parents because of the bad words. They were called “toasts” and “the dozens,” which had endless variations. “Sinking of the Titanic,” heard by Langston Hughes on 8th Avenue, is one of the famous “toasts.”

Mr. Reed has lengthened the 36 lines published by Hughes into a 100-page script in which he expands on the issues addressed in the original toast: race, class, immigration, engineering, and Edwardian morality. He puts Shine on trial in which he is not only the accused but acts as his own defense attorney. He called the play THE SHINE CHALLENGE, 2024, because he expects that a future playwright will expand upon what he has accomplished. This reading does contain adult themes and language, satirical humor and is recommended for an audience of 21 and over.

For $25, you can purchase your private link to watch a pre-recorded Live Reading of THE SHINE CHALLENGE, 2024. This ticket will give you access to unlimited viewing and is available to purchase from now until March 15th!

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