The Rose Theatre in Brampton introduces new content for Black History Month

BY: KAYLA KARIM 

The Rose Theatre in Brampton Introduces New Content for Black History Month

The Rose Theatre in Brampton is a landmark for those who live in the Flower City. It is located in Downtown, Brampton and is home to many theatrical plays, events and artistic performances. This year, the Rose Theatre will celebrate its 13^th season with some changes in their programming.

The Rose Theatre’s goal is to ensure that local talent is heard and noticed as well as supported. Which is why the team decided to take a direction where home grown artists can be showcased. They concentrate on presenting to a wide range of the finest local, national and international performances in an exemplary setting.

Former Artistic Director Brendan Healey and Programming Coordinator Danny Harvey posed great ideas last year that blossomed into with new programming and new partnerships that focused on supporting local talent influenced the direction that the theatre is taking this year. Jocelyn Johnston, the acting Artistic Director and Manager at the Rose also is a part of the team that is helping to move in the direction of supporting local.

For the month of February, the Rose Theatre is focusing on celebrating Black Excellence and Black Culture starting on February 2^nd 2019. Events for the month include, musical performances, motivational speaking, and of course theatrical programs. Some of the events are listed.

Black History Month at the Rose

A very unique show will commence on February 16^th at the Rose. Legends of Reggae: Into the Dancehall is a musical “Rockumentary” that salutes the lives and music of legendary dancehall artists. This event will feature; live from Jamaica, Lt. Stitchie, Tiger &Pinchers. Also featuring 5-time JUNO Award winner and Brampton Arts Walk of Fame recipient Exco Levi, paying tribute to Reggae legend Garnett Silk.

The musical performances continue on February 19^th in Studio II with Travis Knights & Jazz United. This presentation curated by Brampton’s Very Own is a part of the THIS IS BRAMPTON series. Curated by B-Jazzed, this new series is presented in an intimate studio space providing a raw and up-close platform for local talent and will continue year round.

On February 21^st, another presentation from the THIS IS BRAMPTON series will take place in Studio II. Hosted by Jemane Kent and Lola Waheed, In This Skin celebrates black excellence featuring performances by Tracey Kayy, Keziaa, Prempz, and Adubea.

In addition to the events in February, the Rose has a new line up for spring.

HOW BLACK MOTHERS SAY I LOVE YOU

March 19th-20th

From Trey Anthony, author of the blockbuster hit ’da Kink in my hair, and Brampton native, comes an emotional and raw look into family dynamics, trust, resolution and change. Performed for the first time in Brampton, How Black Mothers Say I Love You is Trey Anthony’s most thought-provoking play. 

NANA MCLEAN

April 6th

Canada’s queen of reggae, JUNO Award-winning Nana Maclean, releases her fourth studio album NANA NOW at The Rose on April 6. With her debut album for A & M Records, Dream of Life, Nana achieved international success. Nana’s career is highlighted with numerous awards, nominations, presentations and recognition, including the 2015 pioneer award from the Caribbean Music & Entertainment Awards.

Marketing Coordinator Cristina Rizzuto has been with the team for a year and a half and along with others, is excited to display and promote artists from the GTA. Cristina stated that this is the first year that they are heavily pushing local content and wants to ensure that residents know that the “Rose is their place” because there is “something for everyone”.