Q to perform the role of "Stool Pigeon" this evening in "KING HEDLEY II" by August Wilson. Directed by the Famous "James Avery" & Produced by Q.

Performance Information
What: KING HEDLEY II by August Wilson
Where: California Institute of the Arts E400, 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA
When: Monday, May 16, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free Admission, if interested please email Quentin Warren at QuentinWarren@alum.calarts.edu. or contact him on the "KING HEDLEY II" Facebook event page to reserve tickets if you can attend. Link is provided here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128755267199284

KING HEDLEY II by August Wilson: Revisits Violence Outbreak of 1980s

“Fear motivates us to shoot. To stab. To KILL.” – James Avery

August Wilson’s endearing characters in KING HEDLEY II struggle to tip on the tightrope that is the thin line between life and death. Survival and failure. The death of Aunt Esther, the community’s mother and connection to the past brings a shift in the land. Facing the rise of a new era, one that is extreme, dangerous, and negligent of morals and values, the characters in KING HEDLEY II push to find their place in life’s cycle. “The people need to know the story. See how they fit into it. See what part they play,” proclaims Stool Pigeon, the community’s wise but unappreciated old man.

August Wilson, celebrated playwright, wrote ten plays about the African American experience spanning an entire century—one play per decade. KING HEDLEY II takes place in the 1980s, a time of drug infestation and increase of crime. Wilson is known for writing beautiful language as it captures the natural rhythm and music of the African American spirit and culture. He wrote: “They shout, they argue, they wrestle with love, honor, duty, betrayal; they have loud voices and big hearts; they demand justice, they love, they laugh, they cry, they murder, and they embrace life with zest and vigor…Despite the fact that their relationship to the larger society is one of servitude and marked neglect…The characters remain pointed toward the future, their pockets lined with fresh hope and an abiding faith in their own abilities and their own heroics.” KING HEDLEY II provokes reflection about crime, social identity, and the importance of heritage.

The production will be directed by James Avery, most known for his role as “Uncle Phil” on the classic television show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Avery has a very close relationship to Wilson’s work, as he has performed in a number of the plays. Being an outstanding performer and a valued historian in his own right, CalArts is very pleased to have him as a guest director this season. When asked about his decision to direct the show Avery replied, “I have been wanting to teach for some time now and I am very excited to direct King Hedley II with this talented group of students. I believe history is important and I enjoy facilitating exploration and development in young artists.”

#LifeOfAMogul He works hard, theatre, acting, singing, ect! Simply multifaceted! #Q