Whatยs urban theater? Well, according to Urban Theater Festival producer Reginald Edmund, itยs theater thatยs more community-oriented. ยOnce upon a time, theater was a peopleยs art form, there to connect the community and bring us together to create a universal dialogue, and that is exactly what this series is all about.ย The festival includes three staged readings and one full production. Typical of the edgy, thought-provoking shows on the roster is Dana Lynn Formbyยs Loaded Gavel, which follows a woman as she deals with the aftermath of an abortion. But director Dave Wilson says the show isnยt political. ยA lot of directors try to make their show political. I try to make mine emotional. Iยm not trying to make a statement, pro-choice, pro-life, whatever. I want people to see that this girl is going through hell.ย 7:30 p.m. today, Juneteenth Street by Edmund, with 7:30 p.m. shows of Destiny Manifested on Thursday; Loaded Gavel on Friday; and feature presentation Inside/Out on Sunday.
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This article appears in Jul 26 – Aug 1, 2007.