Black-tor

Join me for this special bonus episode as I speak with playwright, Aleshea Harris. Harris' new play, On Sugarland, is in performances at the New York Theatre Workshop until March 13th, 2022. I had the pleasure of speaking with Harris about her career as a playwright and how her passion for telling stories about black people shines through all of her work. Aleshea Harris' play Is God Is (directed by Taibi Magar at Soho Rep.) won the 2016 Relentless Award, an Obie Award for playwriting in 2017, the Helen Merrill Playwriting Award in 2019, was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and made The Kilroys' List of “the most recommended un and underproduced plays by trans and female authors of color” for 2017. What to Send Up When It Goes Down (directed by Whitney White, produced by The Movement Theatre Company), a play-pageant-ritual response to anti-Blackness, had its critically-acclaimed NYC premiere in 2018, was featured in the April 2019 issue of American Theatre Magazine and was nominated for a Drama Desk award. Harris was awarded a Samuel French Next Step Award in 2019, the Windham-Campbell Literary Prize and the Steinberg Playwriting Award in 2020 and the Hermitage Greenfield Prize in 2021. She has performed her own work at the St. Mary's College, Edinburgh and Orlando Fringe Festivals, REDCAT and as part of La Fête du Livre at La Comèdie de Saint-Étienne. She is a two-time MacDowell fellow and has enjoyed residencies at Hedgebrook and Djerassi. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this special bonus episode, join me as I speak with the playwright of Chicken & Biscuits on Broadway, Douglas Lyons. Douglas Lyons is an award-winning actor, director, composer-lyricist and teacher. TV writing: "Fraggle Rock" (Apple TV). Theatre: the Off-Broadway Alliance-winning Polkadots (Atlantic Theater Company), Beau (Adirondack Theatre Festival), and Five Points (Theater Latte Da), now in development with Hamilton's Andy Blankenbuehler. Broadway acting: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (original cast), The Book of Mormon. Tours: Rent, Dreamgirls, and The Book of Mormon first national. DouglasLyons.net @Chocolatehipster Music: www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In the season finale episode, join me as I interview the playwright of the hit Broadway play, Pass Over, Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu. Throughout the interview, we talk about the birth of Pass Over, her personal journey with the play, and her small act of self-care which resulted in a new beginning to Broadway. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this special interview episode, join me as I speak with the original Candyman, Tony Todd. Throughout the episode, we talk about his early love for the arts in high school, his theatrical background, the world of horror, and of course, the evolution of Candyman. Music: www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this episode, join me as I take a look at the career of director, actor, writer, and producer, Spike Lee. Throughout the episode, I'll be talking about Lee's early background, his road to directing, the success of his major blockbuster films, and the incredible impact he has had in the portrayal of black Americans in the cinema. Music: www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this episode, join me I as take a look at the prolific playwright, Lynn Nottage. Throughout the episode, I'll be talking about her early background, each of her transformative plays, and the work that has led her to becoming a two-time Pulitzer Prize winning playwright. Special thanks to Iykechi McCoy for co-writing this episode and all of the guest voices featured: Mikayla Johnson, Brittany Onukwugha, Megan Lomax, and Jabari Williams. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this episode, join me as I take a look at the life and groundbreaking career of the late and great, Cicely Tyson. Throughout the episode, I'll be talking about Tyson's early stardom in acting, the roads she paved for black actors, her beauty and grace in the industry through strong portrayals of black women, and the wisdom she has left on this Earth and in the hearts of many in her 96 years of living. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this special episode, join me as I interview Tony-nominated choreography, Camille A. Brown. Known for Once On This Island, Choir Boy, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Camille is one of the most unstoppable choreographers in the industry. After discovering her episode in Season One Episode 10, Camille was thrilled to come on the show herself to talk about her amazing career. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this episode, join me as I take a look at one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, Morgan Freeman. Throughout the episode, I’ll be talking about Freeman’s upbringing and road to acting, his award-winning roles in the motion picture industry, and where he stands today as a black actor in his 80s. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this episode, join me as I take a look at the life of jazz pianist and American music icon, Nat King Cole. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this episode, join me as I interview Broadway star, Phoenix Best. Known for her roles in The Color Purple and Dear Evan Hansen, Phoenix is at the start of her career and has tons to offer to the industry. In this interview, we talk about all of her extraordinary roles and what it means to grow up and exist as a black musical theatre performer. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this episode, join me as I take a look at the multi-talented and versatile actress, choreographer, and director, Debbie Allen. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this episode, join me as I take a look at a lifetime of achievements and performances from Broadway legend, André De Shields. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In the second episode of season two, join me as I take a look into the career of Viola Davis and all of her groundbreaking performances and achievements. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In the first episode of season two, join me as I take a look at the life and brilliant works of one of the greatest African American writers of our time, Langston Hughes. Music (“Phoenix Rising” & “Fat Cartoon Jazz”) by: https://www.purple-planet.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

Here's what to expect in Season 2 of Black-tor, releasing on December 22nd! Music: https://www.purple-planet.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

An interview with Hamilton actresses Victoria Ann Scovens and Ta-Tynisa Wilson. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A conversation and series of questions with my friend and fellow actor, Iykechi McCoy. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A conversation with playwright, Paris Crayton III and director, Kalif Troy about writing and directing pieces that are relevant in today's world. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A conversation with actors, Brandon E. Burton and Brandon Pierce, about what it means to be a black male actor in a university setting and in professional theatre. Content Warning: Strong Language. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

In this first bonus episode, I’ll be recapping season one of “Black-tor”. Plus, I answer all of your questions in a Q&A session! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

Part Two of the season finale is an interview with, actor and writer, Keith Hamilton Cobb. We chat about his experience on soap operas, taking on Shakespeare, his original play called “American Moor” and much more! Thank you so much for a great season! I cannot wait to bring you season two in just a few short months!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

Part One of the season finale is an interview with actress and director, Rosalyn Coleman Williams. We chat about her early roles on Broadway, the relevancy of August Wilson, an actor’s craft on television and film and much more! Be sure to check out Part Two of the season finale episode available now! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the life of activist and playwright, Lorraine Hansberry. Also, Alyssa Ramsey performs Beneatha’s monologue from “A Raisin in the Sun”. Be sure to follow the new Instagram page @blacktorpodcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the life of actor, Chadwick Boseman. Also, a series of heartwarming tributes by young, gifted, and black artists. Special thanks to MJ, JC, ML, MN, AB, JJ, AM, JG, JB, and IM for lending their voices to this episode. We love you, Chadwick. You will be missed. Rest in Power. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the career of actor, comedian, director, writer, and producer, Jordan Peele. I’ll be talking about his success with television and his breakout films that put his work on the map. Be sure to check out the new Instagram page @blacktorpodcast. #ArrestTheCopsThatShotJacobBlake --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

An interview with actress, model, author, and motivational speaker, Jacinth Headlam. We chat about her experiences as an actress and model, taking a leap of faith in writing her book, and the impact she had on her audience by simply telling her story. Be sure to check out the new Instagram page @blacktorpodcast. Special thanks to Jacinth Headlam for this wonderful interview! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the life of Louis Armstrong and his major success as a singer and trumpeter. Credited Songs: “Chimes Blues” and “West End Blues” by Louis Armstrong. Be sure to follow the new Instagram page @blacktorpodcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the career of Wanda Sykes and her accomplishments as a comedian, actress, and writer. Ms. Sykes has been a positive voice for black queer woman and has shown the world how comedy can get you through tough times. Be sure to follow the new Instagram page @blacktorpodcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

An interview with, actor, Lawrence Gilliard Jr. We chat about what led him to a successful career in television and film, black representation in the industry, and an actor’s motivation to keep working. Be sure to follow the new Instagram page @blacktorpodcast. Special thanks to Lawrence Gilliard Jr. for this wonderful interview! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the life of Toni Morrison and her success as a writer, teacher, editor, and publisher. Her novels have become a treasure chest in world history. Be sure to check out the new Instagram @blacktorpodcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the career of rapper, actor, and writer Common. I’ll talk about his music and the impact he’s had on black culture through his art. Be sure to follow the new Instagram page @blacktorpodcast. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the career of Camille A. Brown and her success as a black choreographer. Her work is a nod to the ancestral stories and the culture of the African American community. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the career of Tarell Alvin McCraney as an openly gay, black playwright. Plus, Justin Mitchell, Iykechi McCoy and I perform excerpts from “Choir Boy”. Credited Songs: “Wade in the Water” and “Trust & Obey”. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the career of Ava DuVernay as a director, writer, and producer on several hit films and documentaries. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the life of Bill Withers and his soulful voice that truly changed the world of music. Credited songs: “Better Off Dead”, “Lean On Me”, “Harlem” by Bill Withers and “In The Ghetto” by Elvis Presley. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the life of Gwendolyn Brooks and her stellar collection of poetry that illustrated black cultute. Plus, Brittany Onukwugha recites “Primer for Blacks”. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

An interview with actor, Nkrumah Gatling about working in the theatre as a black man. We talk about the musicals “Hair”, “Miss Saigon”, and his groundbreaking performance in “Ragtime”. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the life of Hattie McDaniel and her major contribution to the film industry. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the life of Nina Simone and her music that spoke volumes during the Civil Rights Movement. Plus, special guests Aliaah Boardley, Makenna Copeland, Megan Lomax, and Anya Miller recite “Four Women” by Nina Simone. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

A look into the career of Sterling K. Brown and his rise to success with the hit television series, "This Is Us", on NBC. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support

An introduction to the podcast and a look into one of the greatest American poets, Langston Hughes, and his poem “I, Too, Sing America”. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gabe-moses/support