NSangou Njikam is an actor and playwright originally from Baltimore, MD. His theatre credits include Syncing Ink (Flea Theater/Alley Theatre), Henry V (Classical Theatre of Harlem), Re:Definition (La Mama/Hip Hop Theatre Fest), Hands Up: 7 Plays/7 Testimonials (Nation Black Theater) and Deep Azure(Congo Square Theatre Company). Njikam has written Syncing Ink, I.D.: Identical Destiny, When We Left, Re:Definition and is one of the seven playwrights for Hands Up: 7 Plays, 7 Testimonials. His work has been produced at The Flea Theater, The Alley Theatre, National Black Theater and the BBC. Njikam is a member of the 2015 Emerging Writers Group at the Public Theater. He received his BFA in Acting from Howard University. He resides in New York.
Breaks, Rhyme & Reason: Coolness in Theatre of the African Diaspora with NSangou Njikam
NSangou Njikam (Syncing Ink, A Freeky Introduction, When We Left) has applied the aesthetics of West and Central African performance to his work since 2001. Through an understanding of "Coolness" as a state of Balance and harmony, Njikam finds new and exciting approaches to the art of storytelling, playwriting, and character development. In this course, you'll be introduced to the understanding of Coolness from this perspective, as you create short scenes, characters, as well as engage in games designed to make the creation process enjoyable, light, and effective. The class meets in four 2-hour sessions virtually. By the end, the goal is for participants to have a new or renewed sense of "rhyme and reason" for their own creative works and journeys.
WHEN and HOW: This collaboration will run for four weeks on Zoom.
DATES: Dates coming soon!
ACCESS: We are dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and empowering stories that truly reflect the diversity of our world. To uplift those most impacted by dominant culture, this course is held for folx identifying as BIPOC only with the goal of holding a safe space.
Cost: $300-500 (sliding scale—please read below)
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Suggested Cost:
To create intentional space and support for BIPOC attendees, we ask that you pay in light of your financial privileges and with a JEDI spirit (!)
Here are a few guidelines:
$500 – you have reliable sources of food, shelter, and transportation; are employed or financially secure; have regular access to healthcare and savings; can spend recreationally at your discretion (e.g. enjoy a concert, new clothes, a great meal). Paying the full amount also means you are able to support a BIPOC with limited resources who would like to join this course.
$400– you have debt that sometimes compromises stability with food, shelter, and/or transportation; are employed; have some access to healthcare and savings; can spend recreationally.
$300 – you are under- or unemployed and/or for other reasons (e.g. healthcare, shelter expenses), you have very limited resources.
Contact us if you cannot afford to pay full price but would like to discuss payment plans, work-exchange/trade opportunities, or other options.