Tenth Avenue Arts Center
Contrary to what one might read elsewhere, the Tenth Avenue Arts Center (on the site of the Tenth Avenue Theatre) is going to happen. Building co-owner Jeff Cotta, who says it’s going to be a “sanctuary for the arts” for both East Village and all of San Diego, has assured the Village News of this. “We need to take care of some building issues (Chris Hall is spearheading that), and then we will be enjoying a wide variety of artistic endeavors,” he said. “Theater, music, book readings, art shows, film festivals, et cetera. We will also be able to enjoy the wonderful rooftop patio for smaller events and parties.
“We will be slightly delayed in scheduling productions in the theater until Chris gives us the green light from the powers that be. We need this time to spruce of the building.”
Mo’olelo announces associate director
Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company announced the appointment of playwright Kimber Lee as associate director. Lee, who moved to San Diego from Seattle to take up her new post effective March 1, will work closely with artistic director Seema Sueko and the board to plan and execute the company’s operations, from creating and developing artistic programming to producing and fund-raising.
Lee, who says she’s been longing for an artistic home, is the author of Mo’olelo’s upcoming world premiere, “The Adoption Project: Triad,” which plays March 14-April 1 at Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park. Visit www.moolelo.net or call (619) 342-7395.
San Diego Rep cops awards
Two productions of the San Diego Repertory Theatre “” “‘da Kink in My Hair” and “Intimate Apparel” ” dominated the 17th annual NAACP Theatre Awards, held Feb. 19. The two shows took home 11 awards, with “‘da Kink in My Hair” copping five (plus one nomination) and “Intimate Apparel” receiving six (and three nominations).
A coveted honor, the NAACP awards recognize excellence in theater featuring African-American themes and performers. Winners for their participation in the Rep’s 2005 production of the U.S. premiere of “‘da Kink in My Hair” are Marion J. Caffey, best director; trey anthony, Ashanti Johnson, Abena Malika, Lisa Hl Payton, Karen Robinson, Satori Shakoor, Tanya Tatum and d’bi. young, best ensemble cast; Amina Alfred and Fred Lanuza, musicians; trey anthony, best playwright; and M. Scott Grabau, best sound. e’Marcus Harper was nominated for music director.
Also in the Equity category, for “Intimate Apparel” the winners are Jennifer Brawn Gittings for best costumes; Jennifer Setlow for Best lighting; Fred Kinney for best set design; Tom Parrish, San Diego Repertory Theatre for best producer; Sylvia M’Lafi Thompson for best supporting female; and Michael Shepperd for best supporting male. Recently recipient of the first Des McAnuff New Visionary Award at the San Diego Critics Circle Craig Noel Awards (Jan. 29 at Sherwood Auditorium), Delicia Turner Sonnenberg was an NAACP award nominee for best director; Lisa Renee Pitts and Lisa H. Payton were nominated for lead female and supporting female, respectively. For a full list of awards, visit www.bhwenaacptheatreawards.com.
