The Black Arts Movement 2.0: The Uprising

In this mini documentary, First World Theatre founder Zuhairah McGill connects the theatre communities and movements of today with their historical roots through a series of artist interviews.

"This short film is essential to the history of the United States. I want it to spur political activism and use of speech and our stories throughout every African American community.

It is a film about allowing African Americans and African American artists the chance to express their voices in the mass media as well as become involved in bringing change in our communities and breaking the chains of systemic racism.

For me, I believe The Black Arts Movement 2.0: The Uprising and the Black Lives Matter movement and all that we are still fighting for, is the continuation of the concept related broadly to the African American's desire for both self-determination and nationhood.”

The Black Arts Movement of the 60s and 70s sought to create politically engaged work that explored the African American cultural and historical experience and transformed the way African Americans think and feel about themselves. I hope now, in 2020, this film has the same effect.
ASE!" — Zuhairah McGill

Learn more on the People's Light virtual stage, Always On: bit.ly/UprisingFilm