Lower Depth Theatre Ensemble Hosts Kwame Kwei-Armah Tonight, 8/11

The Lower Depth Theatre Ensemble (LDTE) hosts the celebrated British playwright, Kwame Kwei-Armah, when he travels from Baltimore for the west coast premiere of his play ELMINA'S KITCHEN, tonight, August 11th at The Lost Studio in Los Angeles.

“Kwame Kwei-Armah is an award-winning British playwright, director, actor, and broadcaster. His plays include Seize the Day, A Bitter Herb, Blues Brother Soul Sister, Big Nose, and his triptych of plays chronicling the struggles of the British African-Caribbean community in London—Elmina’s Kitchen, Fix up, and Statement of Regret—which each premiered at The National Theatre between 2003- 2007. With Elmina’s Kitchen he became the first Black Briton to have a play produced in London’s West End; Elmina’s Kitchen and Let There be Love each had their American debuts at Baltimore’s CENTERSTAGE. In addition, he penned the 2010 teleplay, Walter’s War, about the first Black commissioned officer to lead British troops during World War I.”

“He has been named a Writer-in-Residence at the Bristol Old Vic and for BBC Radio drama, an Associate Artist and board member at The National Theatre of Great Britain and London’s Tricycle Theatre, as well as being named an Associate Artist at Baltimore’s CENTERSTAGE, where he made his directing debut with Naomi Wallace’s Things of Dry Hours, and in 2011 was named CENTERSTAGE’s new Artistic Director.”

“Kwei-Armah has been named the Goodwill ambassador for Trade for Christian Aid; Chancellor of University of the Arts London; and served as Artistic Director for the World Arts Festival in Senegal. Most recently, Mr. Kwei-Armah was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2012 Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours which recognizes achievement and service in a variety of fields, "for services to Drama." He will be presented with the honor at Buckingham Palace later this year.

LDTE is proud to present the West Coast premiere of Elmina’s Kitchen, written by award-winning playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah, directed by Gregg T. Daniel. Set in the notorious “Murder Mile” section of London’s East End, this gut-wrenching and insightful drama examines the bitter clash of values between three generations of black men and its effect on their family and community. Elmina’s Kitchen runs tonight, August 11 - September 9, at The Lost Studio, 130 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles 90036.

For more information visit www.lowerdepththeatreensemble.org.

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