“Its important that we give space and place for artists to present their true authentic voices. #diversifythecanon is a bit of a call to action to do that”

— -excerpt from Military Park Artist Talk on the founding of Yendor Theatre Company

YENDOR THEATRE COMPANY

In 2016 I had the honor of cofounding Yendor Theatre Company (YTC), under the guidance of Rodney Gilbert. YTC, seeks to bring inclusive, reflective, professional theatre, with a historical and/or social justice spin, to the City of Newark. YTC is dedicated to producing works by underserved artists including women writers, writers of color, writers from the LGBTQ community, etc.

In just two years YTC developed works by prominent New Jersey playwrights, including David Lee White, Pia Wilson & BV Marshall. These cutting edge works tackled issues like mental illness, police brutality and racial injustice. In August 2017 we presented the world premiere production of Pia Wilson's Down Neck, about the Newark Rebellion of 1967.

YTC has partnerships in place for the remainder of 2018 into 2019 and will announce upcoming presentations shortly. Please follow Yendor Theatre Company on instagram and like our page on facebook for news and updates!

YTC PHOTOS

One of our very first gigs, presenting the first reading of Pia Wilson’s Down Neck at NJPAC. YTC would go on to produce the play in 2017.

Another early memory, presenting a reading of Black & White Air by Marshall Jones III in 2016.

Yendor Theatre Company’s clump of actors w/ Director Rodney Gibert at the New Jersey One Minute Play Festival in 2017

YTC had the opportunity to partner with the city of Plainfield to present a reading of Five Husband’s by Plainfield’s own BV Marshall, in conjunction with Plainfield pride.

YTC during our second appearance at the One Minute Play Festival, in a piece by Dano Madden.

YTC Presented a reading of David Lee White’s Fixed in 2016, as a part of our first Summer Reading Series

YTC Company member Stephanie allowed us to tackle her piece, For Bobo, on the racially charged murder of Emmett Till in 2016.

The YTC core supported me in my first equity show !

I had the opportunity to step in for Rodney and direct a cluster of plays at the 2018 NJ One Minute Play festival.

My NJ One Minute Play Festival Actors and two of our amazing writers, Ben V. Marshall and TS Murphy.