NAJEE’S NOTES
By Najee Ali
Contributing Writer
Having to adjust to life during a pandemic has been challenging to everyone.
Theaters nationwide have been closed for live events. However, thanks to the American Black Film Festival, which has developed the ABFF play App, it is now possible to bring the theater to you.
On the weekend of Dec. 12-13, South L.A. and audiences everywhere will have the opportunity to enjoy a live stage play from the comfort of home.
Octet Productions’ newest stage play, “Love on A Two-Way Street,” will be presented. Written and directed by Donald B. Welch, the play features an all-star cast that includes Vanessa Williams, Erica Ash, Dorien Wilson, Tony Rock, Amin Joseph, Darius McCrary, Kiki Haynes, Jonnelle Allen and special guest star, Kelly Price.
Welch a Philadelphia native, has written, directed and produced more than 30 stage productions over the course of his career.
Welch possesses an uncanny knack for giving a clear voice to African-American culture, in particular African-American women. The irony with his writing is that he delivers his stories in such a way that they still apply to all genders and cultures without compromising his core message’s integrity.
His new play, “Love on A Two-Way Street,” is a layered story about the McKenzie family and the challenging obstacles they face in their daily lives. It is a story that will make you laugh, yell and cry. Visit: www.ABFFplay.com or download the App to secure your tickets to this first time ever pay-per-view stage play event. Showtimes are at 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 12 and noon and 3 p.m. Dec. 13.
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New L.A. County District Attorney George Gascon, in one day, has done more for Black people than former D. A. Jackie Lacey was able to accomplish in her entire career. The day Gascon was sworn in he announced a slew of game-changer initiatives from his office that include an end to sentence enhancements, the death penalty, no cash bail, and trying children as adults.
This writer joined a dozen other community leaders on a Zoom conference call with Gascon a few hours after he was sworn in that night and we all pledged to work together to help put an end to mass incarceration. Gascon has hit the ground running.
