Garland Lee Thompson, Sr.’s Memorial Service
On February 14, 2015
Crystal Field
OBIE Award winning actress and co-founder/Artistic Director of Theater for the New City, during Act II of Garland Lee Thompson, Sr.’s Memorial Service, eloquently recalled how “Garland, one day in 1973 or maybe it was 1975, sort of, osmosed his way into my life. We were talking about the popular plays that were being produced on American stages across the country. At the time, Garland said, ‘I don’t know any of these people. Who are they? Where did they come from? I can’t relate to any of their stories.'” She went on to explain how that one insightful observation changed the face and content of American Theater forever. “It was the catalyst for us to write stories for and about our people. That comment gave rise to: a new crop of playwrights, the Philip Hayes Deans, the John Henry Redwoods, the Douglas Turner Wards, the August Wilsons and many others; New Black stages; the Negro Ensemble Companies, the Penumbras, the National Black Theaters and the many others.” Crystal, rightfully noted “Garland Thompson’s insight and influence will live forever in reshaping American Theater”. The evening was hosted by the Theater for the New City.
Theatre Legend Garland Lee Thompson – Inside New York remembers the life and legacy of theatre icon, Garland Lee Thompson, theatre producer, writer, director, actor,(Star Trek) playwright and Founding Executive Director of the Frank Silvera Writer’s Workshop in Harlem.