Culture
Actor Brandon Dirden Talks August Wilson’s “Jitney” (Video)
Jitney is not only a good play by playwright August Wilson, but it depicts a real-life story in African-American history. Unheard Voices had the opportunity to chat with actor Brandon Dirden, about the play, life, and the character he depicts – Darnell AKA Youngblood.
Jitney is a compelling play by playwright August Wilson that depicts a real-life story in African American history.
The eighth in Wilson’s ‘Pittsburg Cycle’, Jitney tells the story of a community coming together when regular cab drivers will not travel to the Pittsburgh Hill District in the 1970s. The play dramatizes the lives of men hustling to make a living as “jitneys”, which are unofficial cab drivers. Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, this is an opportunity to see the fine work of August Wilson on display at the Two River Theater in Red Bank, NJ.
A Chat with Brandon Dirden
Unheard Voices had the opportunity to chat with actor Brandon Dirden, about the play, life and the character he depicts – Darnell Williams AKA Youngblood.
“He’s your brother, he’s your cousin, and he’s your nephew. He has a big heart but doesn’t necessarily make the right decisions. But his heart is always in the right place. He’s quite mature. He’s dubbed Youngblood because he’s the youngest member in the crew.”
On Wilson:
“He’s documented this story on a living drama. So, [people] can see in action how it’s going down. This is how real people are affected by these policies … It’s brilliant!”
On Jitney:
It is a fantastic slice of life in this community of Pittsburgh in the 1970s … with a lot of soul.
Jitney is currently playing at the Two River Theater from Jan. 29-Feb. 19.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit the theater’s website at https://www.trtc.org.
Real stories. Real impact. Straight to your inbox. Join thousands others. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter today!
Follow us on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram
Virgin Islands announces lineup for 74th annual St. Thomas Carnival Village
Memphis man sues city, police over photo taken of his deceased mother
Asbury Park High School: History Seminar
New Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
Druski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
Kendrick Johnson’s parents file $10B lawsuit against federal judges
GoFundMe launched after Alabama mother is fatally shot by husband hours after giving birth
Shaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
Family demands justice after Baltimore County man dies after being punched by police officer in violent encounter
New Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
OWN greenlights first-ever ‘Belle Collective’ spinoff Belle Collective: Birmingham
Hazel Scott’s legacy returns to Harlem in free outdoor film screening
Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard sets world record, raises $50K for Ugandan youth
Renee Ferguson, trailblazing investigative journalist, dies at 75
“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” returns to the land with “Sweet Samara,” climate and abolitionist film
-
Community2 weeks agoShaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
-
Social Justice3 days agoNew Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
-
Education1 week agoAsbury Park High School: Crossover event esports and history with Tina Watson
-
Social Justice5 days agoJury awards California woman $15 million after supervisor called her n-word
-
Culture2 weeks agoWu‑Tang Clan concert film to screen at The Pinhook as part of Wu‑Tang Wednesday Series
-
Social Justice1 week agoFamily pleads for Trump’s help bringing severely ill son home from Chinese prison
-
Crime & Justice4 days agoDetroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
-
Culture3 days agoDruski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
-
Social Justice2 weeks agoDOJ moves to dismiss criminal case against ex-officers charged for role in Breonna Taylor’s death
-
Culture6 days agoOWN’s Belle Collective Birmingham to premiere April 10
Pingback: Two River Theater Seeks Understudies For Jitney