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On this episode of WNY Soundstage, Host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Sarah Norat-Phillips, outgoing interim Artistic Director of Ujima Company.
Sarah Norat-Phillips, a seasoned professional in theater with over 40 years of experience, returned to her Buffalo roots after a successful career in broadcast television. As a founding member of Ujima Theatre Company and its Interim Artistic Director, she’s directed and performed in numerous acclaimed productions, including works by August Wilson and Zora Neale Hurston. A multiple ARTIE Award winner, Sarah recently directed the acclaimed The Color Purple: The Musical at Shea’s 710 Theatre in collaboration with 2nd Gen and Shea’s Buffalo Theatre.
This episode includes:
- A history of Ujima Company, Inc
- A production from the company’s history that Norat-Phillips would revisit
- Ujima’s growth over the last 45 years
- The importance of an organization like Ujima Theater Company in Buffalo
- Playwright Alice Childress’ legacy
- A discussion of the plot of Wedding Band
- The timely themes in the play
- The hope for the future of Ujima
- Norat-Phillips legacy within the company