New Federal Theatre's Star-Packed 40th Anniversary

I like to call him Mr. Black Theatre. He is a man who has dedicated his life to making sure that Black playwrights, and especially women playwrights, have a venue to get their works done. He is someone who has given many Black actors, directors, technicians their start in the theatre and he has done so for forty years. Mr. Black Theatre is none other than Woodie King Jr., the founder and producing director of New Federal Theatre (NFT), which celebrated its 40th Anniversary in grand style on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at the Edison Ballroom on West 47th Street in New York City. After forty years (and counting), there was so much to celebrate: try, 280 productions, and a full season every year.

The celebration was co-hosted by actress Lynn Whitfield and CBS News personality Randall Pinkston. The Ballroom was packed to capacity with celebrities—some being honored, others presenting, and still others attending to experience the sense of family and reunion that prevailed throughout the evening. The first honoree for the night was Sidney Poitier, who sent a video thank you to Woodie and had his daughter Pamela Poitier on hand to accept the award that was presented by the one and only, veteran actor Glynn Turman. Renowned actress, playwright, poetess, and activist Ruby Dee was honored by Sonia Sanchez, who set the microphone off by reciting one of Dee's poems and then by sharing a poem she herself had created describing Dee.

Councilman Charles Barron made remarks about the importance of NFT and how the Department of Cultural Affairs should send some funding its way. Actor Danny Glover presented an NFT award to playwright and activist Amiri Baraka, who, looking for young revolutionaries, once came to talk to Glover...(continued)