Naming ceremony... Hansberry Baldwin Ensemble May 19, 2009

Ray of Hope Center of the Arts Presents
“To Be Young, Gifted, and Black”
Inter-generational ensemble perform the life and writings of
A Raisin in the Sun author

MAY 14, 2009 (Chicago, IL) – The newly formed Hansberry Baldwin Ensemble, the touring company of Ray of Hope Center of the Arts (www.rayofhopearts.org), will perform “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black.” This heart-warming motivational play is based on the life and writings of Lorraine Hansberry, author of A Raisin in the Sun.

The Hansberry Baldwin Ensemble was founded to provide a platform by which semi-professional artists, ranging in age from nine years old to adult, can use their gifts and skills to help transform lives by telling important stories based on world history, social and societal issues, and to meet the challenge of using the arts to make a positive difference in the world. Named for Lorraine Hansberry and James Baldwin, this primarily African American ensemble is comprised of thirty artists including Chicago Public School students and is embedded in the notion that everyone is inner-connected, and we need each other to meet the needs of mankind.

“We are proud of the work these two literary giants and are humbled to be blessed to launch a company of this magnitude in Chicago, the home of Lorraine Hansberry,” said Victoria Brady, Executive Director of Ray of Hope Center of the Arts and Director of “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black.” “This is the legacy we would like to add to the rich legacies of other Arts Activists and Heroes.”

“To Be Young, Gifted, and Black” is a portrait in Hansberry’s own words based on her experiences and the characters she created. It is a celebration of one writer’s view of the human spirit. Her view is told through a series of scenes, monologues, and includes singing and dancing. The story belongs to this black woman from Chicago that moved to New York and won fame from her first play, the now classic – A Raisin in the Sun. This production is a lively interpretation and dares to celebrate the work of this literary giant and her contribution to the American Theatre. The story is told by children, teenagers, and adults.

A naming ceremony for the The Hansberry Baldwin Ensemble will take place on Tuesday, May 19th, the birthday of Lorraine Hansberry, at Harris Hall Theatre at 1818 East 71st Street. The public is invited to view this cherished event.

“To Be Young, Gifted, and Black” can be seen at Harris Hall Theatre located at 1818 East 71st Street on May 22, 23, and 24. Perfect for youth and community groups, proceeds from the show will benefit Ray of Hope Center of the Arts programs. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Victoria Brady at 773-947-0447.


The Hansberry Baldwin Ensemble

ABOUT RAY OF HOPE CENTER OF THE ARTS
Ray of Hope Center of the Arts (www.rayofhopearts.org) is a highly motivated, non-profit, teen-focused multi-cultural arts organization based in Chicago, Illinois that creates innovative programs and delivers authentic performances filled with positive messages that uplift people while transforming lives through the use of visual, media, and performing arts. Providing a wide variety of high quality multi-discipline arts programs to youth, adults, and senior citizens with an emphasis on those who are disadvantaged, Ray of Hope has developed and enhanced the artistic skills of its participants, employing the arts as an agent for positive change in the predominately African-American South Shore community of Chicago.