Posts By Derrick Hemphill

Denzel Washington’s triumphant return to the stage as Othello marks a historic moment in Broadway history. Setting unprecedented box office records with standard tickets at $350 and premium seats exceeding $900, this Shakespearean revival rivals commercial powerhouses like Hamilton. But beyond the financial triumph lies a deeper significance: At 70, Washington brings authentic gravitas to Shakespeare’s aging Moorish general, fulfilling a full-circle journey that began with playing the same role as a 20-year-old drama student at Fordham University. Director Kenny Leon’s contemporary reimagining—set in 2028 with Othello as a U.S. Marine commander—explores timeless themes of race, power, and war’s psychological impact through a distinctly modern lens. Washington’s performance demonstrates why classical theater remains powerful and relevant in today’s entertainment landscape.
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Roberta Flack, the iconic singer and pianist whose soulful voice and gifted piano playing defined an era, crafted a legacy steeped in musical brilliance, cultural significance, and authenticity. Flack’s artistry …
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The Baldwin-Buckley debate took center stage as New York City’s Town Hall became a stage for history, music, and moral reckoning with The Tongue & The Lash, a …
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Kendrick Lamar’s performance was a masterful use of the medium—the Super Bowl stage, one of the most hyper-commercialized, widely viewed platforms in American culture—to deliver a message that transcended mere …
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At the intersection of art and activism, two remarkable women have emerged as champions of tranquility and repose for Black women. With her evocative and thought-provoking paintings, Danielle Mckinney and …
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Calvin as The Prince in ABT’s The Nutcracker. Photo- Quinn Wharton

The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is gearing up for a magical performance of The Nutcracker this holiday season, …
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Fellow Travelers, a Showtime© series exploring the challenges queer individuals faced during McCarthyism, featured a pivotal scene. Journalist Marcus Hooks, portrayed by Jelani Aladdin, encounters the drag performer Frankie (Noah …
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Regarding art, certain creators emerge as enduring wellsprings of inspiration, and Charles White unquestionably finds his place among this illustrious pantheon. Born in 1918, White overcame formidable adversity and discrimination …
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