Tag "The Whipping Man"

  • Audio Interview with Robert Douglas

    2-9-16 Interview

    Robert Douglas fell in love with acting when, at 8 years old, he saw a production of Raisin in the Sun. He identified so strongly with the character of Walter Lee Younger that began to inhabit the character of Walter Lee and believe that it was his job “to tell Walter Lee’s story. “ And when he saw Lady Sings the Blues he researched and fell in love with Billie Holliday’s music. These events lead him to pursue the world of characters and stories. Listen to this passionate, articulate man talk about his journey. If you saw him in the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe’s production of The Whipping Man – you already know how talented an actor he is. Come and get another opportunity to see him at work in the WBTT production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

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  • Interview with Howard Millman

    1-21-14 Audio Interview

    Howard Millman understood very young that he belonged in the theater, but his first generation immigrant parents couldn’t see how he could make a living in the theater, so to assuage their concern he majored in pre-law in university. A request from a professor that he take a role in a play led to the professor confirming that he “was an actor.” This confirmation gave him the courage to change his major – the very next day – from pre-law to theater, assuring his parents that he could ”always teach.” In some ways it seems as if Howard had a guardian angel sweeping his path; listen to the ironic way he lucked into directing plays for the army and then directing school plays as the Dramatic Consultant Prince Georges County Maryland. But it was a job as Civilian Entertainment Director for the United States Army that showed him his managerial abilities, and he used those skills many times to rescue theaters from the brink of disaster. Now in retirement at 82 years old, he is able to pursue his real passion, which is directing, and to “pick his projects.” His current “pick” is The Whipping Man, which he directed for the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe in Sarasota FL. Listen to Howard talk about this extraordinary play.

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