The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul and the Capri Theater present Andrew Rossi’s Bronx Gothic, a portrait of writer and performer Okwui Okpokwasili as she stages a final tour for her one-woman show of the same name. To be followed by a discussion led by playwright, actor and spoken word artist Shá Cage. The screening begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 4 at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway. Tickets to First Thursday Films are $5; purchase in advance at mspfilm.org or at the door the night of the show.
Although not strictly a work of autobiography, Bronx Gothic nonetheless springs from memories of Okpokwasili’s childhood growing up in the Bronx. When she finally returns to the church of her youth to conclude her tour with a final performance, she is overwhelmed. Providing a space for audiences to engage with the “political terrain” of her “brown body,” Okpokwasili’s show features a multi-disciplinary display of dance, singing, drama and comedy, all of which find their way into the film. With intimate vérité access to Okpokwasili and her audiences off the stage, the film also probes her creative process, providing a forum for discussion of the complex social issues and personal trauma embodied in her work. “A mesmerizing and sometimes harrowing solo piece.” —The New York Times
Each First Thursday Films screening at the Capri is followed by a passionate discussion of the movie. For Bronx Gothic we welcome Shá Cage. Cage has written two solo plays, six collaborative plays, and has traveled widely to areas such as Canada, England, Africa, New York, Bosnia, France and more, teaching and performing her work that largely centers around topics of identity, class and home. Most recently, she completed a sold-out run of her play, Khephra: A Hip Hop Holiday Story at Open Eye Theater. Cage also starred in and co-produced the short film New Neighbors which was an official selection of the Sundance Film Festival in 2017.
More info: thecapritheater.org and mspfilm.org. Capri programs are generously supported by the Best Buy Foundation and Target.