Shakespeare in LA

File this one under: Doing Good in the Community via Shakespeare:
What happens when you give urban students the opportunity to discover Shakespeare? For many it can be a life-changing experience. That’s the subject of the documentary, Shakespeare in Watts, that premiered earlier this week at the Pan African Film Festival. The film will screen again this coming Sunday February 17 at 3:15 pm.

Directed by the late, award-winning filmmaker Mel Stuart, it shows the journey taken by a small group of students at Washington Prep, as they learn 16th century English for a production of Romeo and Juliet. They are guided through the process by their drama teacher, Dr. Melanie Andrews, producers Paul Heller and Katy Haber and a group of dedicated L.A.-based British actors and actresses who were their coaches and mentors along the way. From gangland to the stage, you can view the terrific trailer for the film at www.paff.org/shakespeare-in-watts/, which stars Javier Gutierrez, Janelee Rodriguez, Kaylynn Bilal, Danny Blanco, Lloyd James, A’Donus Gillett, Curtis Smith, Joey Moore, Matt Wolf, Joshua Thomas, Nena Dawson, Raymond Villeda, and Frank Simmons.

SHAKESPEARE IN WATTS
Sunday, Feb 17th – 3:15 pm
RAVE Cinemas 15 (located inside BHCP)
4020 Marlton Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
3650 West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90008

Now that’s a very good thing.