tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11122973.post114059982118109027..comments2024-02-08T05:04:18.484-08:00Comments on J'S THEATER: African Diaspora in Hollywood + New Orleans Libraries Need BooksJohn Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08073378940347627766noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11122973.post-1141050104158749732006-02-27T06:21:00.000-08:002006-02-27T06:21:00.000-08:00Thanks for dropping in, Humanity Critic.Thanks for dropping in, Humanity Critic.John Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08073378940347627766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11122973.post-1140746060392171692006-02-23T17:54:00.000-08:002006-02-23T17:54:00.000-08:00Just passing through, cool blog.Just passing through, cool blog.The Humanity Critichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17952770577150500798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11122973.post-1140662644442606572006-02-22T18:44:00.000-08:002006-02-22T18:44:00.000-08:00Keguro, I'm sorry the props took so long! Also, D...Keguro, I'm sorry the props took so long! Also, Djimon Hounsou is *double swoon*!<BR/><BR/>Bernie, I hear you on the lack of good roles. The fact that non-US born Black actors are in Hollywood in such small numbers and that they often have training and really *are* actors probably also assures little conflict. I've heard about Glover's multi-pronged diasporic efforts, which I think are great and badly needed. I don't know the library person listed, but I'll forward your note on to Carolyn.<BR/><BR/>Mendi, I hadn't thought of Nollywood, but that's a very good question. What is the source of the funding there? Is it feasible for Black American actors to head there and participate in film projects? I also wonder about people with Nollywood training heading to Hollywood. Interestingly enough, I read today that Will Smith, of all people, is in...Bollywood this week, being fêted!<BR/><BR/>Reggie, I don't think you'd mentioned Marsalis's effort, but that sounds excellent. I purposely mentioned the persistence of stereotypical roles, which dogs not only these actors (remember Akinnuoye-Agbaje played a gangster in 50 Cent's movie, and de Bankolé is a slave in <I>Manderlay</I>...) but African-Americans too. But things have begun to open up and will only continue to do so, especially as Black film people create new opportunities. I don't know if you saw im on <I>Girlfriends</I>, but Lester had a recurring role several years ago as Traci Ross's boyfriend Ellis. His accent sometimes would get a bit slippery, but it was fun to see him in that role and think about his exceptional stage performance (which was also captured on TV) as Hamlet. Akinnuoye-Agbaje went from being the most outrageous prisoner in <I>Oz</I>, Adebisi, to now plaing a recurring role on <I>Lost</I> as Misterecko/Mr. Ecko, a gangster masquerading as a <B>priest</B> (but you know he still has a sinister edge). I started watching the show once he came on it. One of my faves...along with Hounsou, Elba and de Bankolé...John Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08073378940347627766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11122973.post-1140653034295635112006-02-22T16:03:00.000-08:002006-02-22T16:03:00.000-08:00Library: Ellis Marsallis III lives here in Baltimo...Library: Ellis Marsallis III lives here in Baltimore (he's published a book of poetry and photographs under the pen name tpLuce titled Da Bloc), and is organizing a book drive -- literally. He's renting a truck, packing up donations, and driving them back down to New Orleans.<BR/><BR/>Actors: You're right about "Without a Trace" the Australian LaPaglia does play American on the show. Its great to see him and Jean-Baptiste doing scenes together. Theres a sense of 'old pros' enjoying each others company about them. <BR/>It was very odd to see Chiwetel Ejiofor playing a Chicago 'gansta' in "Four Brothers." I thought he did well, but at the same time as Bernie says, one also wishes to see him in better roles. For example, Adrian Lester (who played a very morose Orpheus in a BBC two-part version of "Jason and the Argonauts") is now the central character/star in another BBC production, "Hustle" seen in the US on the American Movie Classics cable channel. Somewhat of a weekly, British version of 'The Sting', the show is about high level con men and women cheating greedy people, he gets to be suave, sophisticated, and in charge throughout the show. Very pleasing to see him and him in that role.<BR/>Finally, I want to second Keguro: Djimon Hounsou *swoon*Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11122973.post-1140632827098287812006-02-22T10:27:00.000-08:002006-02-22T10:27:00.000-08:00You know, I also wonder what possibilities exist f...You know, I also wonder what possibilities exist for Black American actors (of all origins) with the rise of Nollywood. There a film boom in Nigeria right now and there was recently a Nollywood conference in Hollywood. I think things are about to get shaken up quite a bit.Mendi Obadikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06038610861985625589noreply@blogger.com