Dance Film Addresses Race Relations In America

ALBANY — The UAlbany Performing Arts Center will present a free screening of “a love letter to Brian, Lesley, and Michelle,” a film by Hettie Barnhill, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, on the uptown University at Albany campus located at 1400 Washington Ave.  

The event is part of a series of four shining the spotlight on local artists. Others in the series include actors Bianca Stinney and Ben Katigiri who will each perform the experimental play White Rabbit, Red Rabbit (March 26 & 27).  This past fall, guitarist Maria Zemantauski, percussionist Brian Melick and dancer La Nina collaborated in Flamenco Rhythms and the Capital Trio offered two concerts in October.

Described by its creator as “a film, a play, an experience, a concert dance, a work of art, a self-reflection, a protest,” the work is an interactive and experimental commentary that “ideally leaves viewers looking inward, seeking justice from within.” 

The writer/director will engage in a post-screening discussion with audience members. Barnhill is a Broadway actress, director, choreographer and the founder of Create A Space NOW, an interactive social platform that uses performing arts and multimedia to further discussion around #blacklivesmatter and the recent events and race relations in America. 

Admission to the screening is free. No reservations or tickets are required.  For further information, contact the UAlbany Performing Arts Center’s main office at 518-442-3995 or pac@albany.edu.