New Stage Production Celebrates Friendship Between
Author James Baldwin and Photographer Richard Avedon
“Scribblin’ at the Automat” at Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts
at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus, October 1-4, 7-11

Brooklyn, N.Y. – In "Scribblin’ at the Automat," Brooklyn playwright Arthvr Alleyne explores the friendship between acclaimed writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin and influential fashion photographer Richard Avedon, who revolutionized the genre of photographic portraiture. The play will be performed at Long Island University’s Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts in October.

The setting for "Scribblin’" is a 1955 Manhattan food automat where the two high school friends have some pie and soda pop and catch up on old times, bringing to life their encounters with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Josephine Baker and jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. As these artists discuss their respective futures, they explore the impact of the art of Willem DeKooning and Salvador Dali, the genius of the Miles Davis Quintet, the fashion and glamour of Givenchy and Edith Head’s creations, and the politics of McCarthyism and civil rights in a post-war society.

Directed by Ira Kip, the play features a talented cast of actors who bring these celebrated artists to life through their lively performances and the in-depth historical research of the playwright.

Performances will take place at the Kumble Theater, from Thursday, October 1, to Saturday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m.; and Wednesday, October 7, to Saturday, October 10, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 11, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35, $25; $18.50 for students and seniors. The Kumble Theater is located at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus, on Flatbush Avenue between DeKalb Avenue and Willoughby Street in downtown Brooklyn.

For more information, call the Kumble Theater box office at (718) 488-1624 or visit www.kumbletheater.org.

Posted: August 27, 2009