unFRAMED: A Man in Progress September 22, 2011

The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, in collaboration with Double Play Connections and Doing Life Productions, Jane Dubin, Executive Producer, presents Iyaba Ibo Mandingo’s unFRAMED: A Man in Progress, directed by Brent Buell, on Thursday, September 22 at 1:30pm, Friday, September 23 at 7:30pm and Saturday, September 24 at 7:30pm at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 899 Tenth Avenue, NYC. Tickets are $20 ($10 students) and are available at www.ticketcentral.com or by phone at 212-279-4200. All shows will be followed by a JUST-US Dialogue.

Winner of the 2011 Award for Excellence in Theatre from the DC Black Theatre Festival, “In unFRAMED writer and performer Iyaba Ibo Mandingo tells the story of his journey from Antigua to America. It wasn't without tribulations; navigating treacherous times without a father, Mandingo turned to art. unFRAMED puts the art front and center: Mandingo uses painting, poetry, prose and song to tell a story that echoes the lives of many.” – Times Herald Record.

At the age of eleven, Iyaba is plucked from the tropical comfort of his childhood and taken to a new life in a strange country. unFRAMED is his poetic tale of life as an immigrant - from boyhood in Antigua to manhood in America. Using canvas, paint, poetry, prose and song, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo tells a story of his transformation -from “Mommy Me No Wanna Go Merrica” - a prophetic piece that hints at the many trials he will face in a new land - to his powerful political poetry which leads to his arrest and attempted deportation in post 9/11 America, Iyaba shares his rage, his determination, and his hope while he paints his self-portrait and successfully struggles to redefine his humanity, rediscover his smile, and truly accept himself for the first time. Presented in conjunction with an exhibit of his original artwork, audiences are invited into the studio of the artist where painting and poetry create unframed art.

"Iyaba IS a true work of art -- a powerful poet, painter and performer (among many other things); that raw/rare breed whose naked truth shatters long-held myths about life in America. Real deal."
- Forrest McClendon, 2011 Tony Award Nominee, The Scottsboro Boys

“One of the most powerful, sometimes funny, often angry but ultimately life-affirming shows I've ever seen! GO EXPERIENCE IT!!!” – Frank Lowell, WTBQ

“Everyone needs to know what a fantastic - simply great show this is. Humor, depth, artistry - it has it all and it is truly an engaging and wonderful evening of theater … Heart, heart, heart. GO to this show - it's one of the best evenings of theater you will experience and I can not recommend it highly enough!”
- M. Peters, Esq, Audience Member

Official Website: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/theater.php