New Heritage Theatre Group, Est. 1964
New Heritage Theatre Group
Voza Rivers, Executive Producer
Jamal Joseph, Executive Artistic Producer
Katsuya Abe, International Producer
Furman Theatre Rep
IMPACT Repertory Theatre
New Heritage Films & Harlemwood Film Festival
The Bomb Shelter
Shades of Truth Theatre
Take Wings & Soar
NHTG News
NHTG News: Blog - NewHeritageTheatre.org
Award winning Harlem-based classical theatre company, Take Wing And Soar Productions, 15th Anniversary Gala Celebration
Special post-event press release -
[New York, NY- May 7, 2018 ] – On Saturday, May 5th 2018, Take Wing And Soar Productions (TWASInc), an award winning, Harlem-based, professional Theater Arts Corporation held its Fifteenth Anniversary Gala Celebration, the TAKE WING AND SOAR SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS, at Columbia University's Lerner Hall Roone Arledge Auditorium. The elegant afternoon featured esteemed hosts, talented classical actor/singers and the Volunteer Divas who were joined by approximately 120 business leaders, artists, patrons, volunteers, friends and alumni.
The pre-brunch cocktail hour was abuzz with people from all walks of life showing support of TWASInc's cause against exclusion and towards understanding, advancement and unity in the arts. The delicious brunch was preceded by a welcome address from TWASInc's board officer, the Honorable Rev. W. Franc Perry, who read a wonderful letter from our esteemed Mayor of New York, followed by the first award of the afternoon, The Earl Hyman Award for Excellence in Classical Acting, which was presented to classical actor John Douglas Thompson. Mimosas flowed during the brunch networking hour while guests learned about each other and the organization. A Silent auction and a raffle signup followed and then the guests were directed to the main program. A welcome address by TWAS Alum Mary Hodgesand Honorary Co-Chair Tom Martin introduced our esteemed hosts. A recapitulation of TWASInc's history and purpose kicked off the event, presented by the mistress and master and of ceremonies, Tony award winning actress Trezana Beverley and Classical Actor Michael Early.
JAMAL JOSEPH WINS 2015 PURPOSE PRIZE
The year was 1997, and Harlem was like "a prison without bars," Mr. Joseph said. "The crack epidemic was ravaging the community and buildings were crumbling," he said. "And that was when I decided to create an organization to help young people understand there are other ways out, other options, other tools."
In response to the wrenching scene that day, Mr. Joseph co-founded the Impact Repertory Theater, a nonprofit performing arts group for teenagers, with his wife, Joyce, the screenwriter Alice Arlen and Voza Rivers, the executive producer and founding member of the New Heritage Theater Group, the oldest black nonprofit theater company in New York City.
LA TIMES REVIEW: The words of James Baldwin ring out in Harlem drama 'Chapter & Verse'
James Baldwin's bracingly relevant writings, which inspired the potent "I Am Not Your Negro," also resonate deeply in "Chapter & Verse," Jamal Joseph's tough / tender portrait of an ex-con attempting to find redemption in modern-day transitional Harlem.
Having served eight years in prison for "being stupid," reformed gang leader S. Lance Ingram (the film's co-screenwriter, Daniel Beaty) is trying to do the right thing, living clean in a halfway house and landing a delivery job for a food pantry.
Despite his best efforts, Lance encounters potential minefields at every Harlem corner — including his amorous supervisor Yolanda (a fiery Selenis Leyva) — offering the constant reminder that any misstep could land him back in the Green Haven Correctional Facility.
Things take a turn through his friendship with Ms. Maddy (the always terrific Loretta Devine), a spirited widow with a wry sense of humor and a troubled teen grandson who is headed down a path Lance knows only too well.
Filmmaker and Columbia professor Joseph, and playwright Beaty, in his feature writing and acting debut, infuse the movie with an intense New York City realism and an evocative street poetry that conjure up early John Cassavetes and Spike Lee.
But ultimately, it's the voice of Baldwin, who more than 50 years ago observed, "All over Harlem, Negro boys and girls are growing into stunted maturity, trying desperately to find a place to stand," that rings out clearly in this deeply affecting drama.
'Chapter & Verse'
Rating: R, for language, drug use, some violence and sexuality
Playing: Cinemark 18, Los Angeles
JAMAL JOSEPH & IMPACT ON ABC 7
We are so very proud of our Executive Producing Artistic Director Jamal Joseph who was captured in this video sharing his philosophy and rationale for working with IMPACT Repertory Theatre on ABC 7 with Sandy Kenyon.
Jamal and IMPACT continue to do incredible and amazing work. Their artivism is a living testament to their commitment to making a difference in Harlem and throughout all of New York City.
HONORING AFENI: JAMAL JOSEPH TALKS THE LEGACY OF HIP-HOP'S MOTHER
Black By Popular Demand! "The Day Harlem Saved Dr. King!'
Shades of Truth Theatre and Voza Rivers/ New Heritage Theatre
in association with The Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center present
The Day Harlem Saved Dr. King written and directed by Michael Green
Empowering a New Generation
Republished from Captrust, Tuesday, January 29, 2019
by Sylvana Smith
From Black Panther and convict to writer, poet, producer, college professor, Academy Award nominee, and youth advocate, Jamal Joseph's life has taken a circuitous path to the present. His is a story of perennial social activism, advancing lessons from his Black Panther days to empower a new generation.
Excuse Me, Young Brother, I Just Did
NYS Senate and Assemby Honors New Heritage Theatre Group 55th Anniversary
In celebration of Black Theatre and New Heritage's 55th Anniversary the New York State Assembly recently honored and recognized Voza Rivers and Jamal Joseph on the floor of the Assembly. Oscar nominated IMPACT members performed .
Robert Rodriguez, 68th Assembly District, Inez E. District 70th Assembly District, Al Taylor 71st Assembly District, issued the following signed statement:
"We have an organization worthy of the esteem of both the community and the Great State of New York."
Later that day Assembly Member Inez Dickens stated:
"Special thanks to Voza Rivers and Jamal Joseph on 55 years of excellence and prosperity in the Harlem community through arts & culture for Harlem's youth! I especially want to thank IMPACT children for an amazing performance here in Albany.We wish them all the best!"
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