Play Festival Presents Shirley Chisholm

NEW YORK - National Black Touring Circuit, Woodie King Jr., Producer/Director, in association with the Castillo Theatre (Dan Friedman, artistic director, Diane Stiles, managing director) will be presenting Shirley Chisholm: Catalyst for Change, starring Sharon Hope on February 18, 19, & 20th, 2011.

Shirley Chisholm: Catalyst for Change, adapted from speeches and writings by Ms. Chisholm picks up from her 1964 election to the New York General Assembly and follows through to her becoming the Congresswoman in New York's 12th congressional district from 1969 to 1983. Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to Congress and in 1972 became the first Black woman endorsed by a major party for president of the United States. "The political foundation for the historic election of President Barack Obama was first laid when Shirley Chisholm took the bold step in 1972 to seek the presidency. As America looks forward, we must never forget to honor those who have helped pave the way," said Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries.

Since its inception on February 26, 1926, when Carter G. Woodson established "Negro History Week", this annual and now month-long celebration of African-American achievements and contributions to America has grown in relevance and reach.

Shirley Chisholm: Catalyst for Change by Ajene Washington, directed by Imani, sets by Tony Davidson; lighting by Antoinette Tynes, costumes by Ali Turns, sound by Bill Toles, and stagement by BJ Pierce Astwood.