With all the hype of TV Land’s frustration around diversity– more artistic homes are following through with their companies original mission- “to present distinctive work that raises the standards of Off-Off-Broadway for artists & audiences alike”, such as the Flea Theatre located in downtown New York.

This week, the highly acclaimed downtown Broadway house, says Jeje’ Jim and welcomes in highly esteemed theatre maker,  Niegel Smith, who will exceed past The Resource Group becoming the Flea Theatre’s FIRST Black Artistic Director. For those who are unfamiliar with Niegel and his work, allow me a moment to fill you in: This performance mogul of various artistic platforms holds his own personal mission to “create performances that engage, provoke, and expand the limits of self-expression” in a very high light when sharing his art with the world.  Smith has had his works produced through theatres around the country, including Phoenix Theatre Ensemble,  Todd Theatre, Classical Theatre of Harlem, Hip Hop Theatre Festival and many more (they’re on the google). 

Smith, who has had his share of experience in creating art while dealing with its politics when he directed such works as FELA!, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, broadway/off-broadway productions of Tony Kushner’s Caroline, or Change; and  when he joined the artistic staffs of The Public Theater, Trinity Repertory Company and Providence Black Rep; will take to his throne following An evening to Benefit the Flea Theatre and the honoring of the founding artistic director, Jim Simpsons. And I’m sure most of us can agree that the biggest benefit in this is the addition of Niegel Smith- so thank you and you’re welcome. 

Personally, I am beyond myself with the excitement building up in me about this soon-to-be great edition to such a historical institution in the NYC theatre world. I’ve had the extreme honor of experiencing one of Niegel’s artistic explorations; a walk. An experimental theatre piece, a group is asked to release their trust as they’re led through an array of life’s many attributes that gifts each individual with permission to challenge and understand the importance of Smith’s artistic mission that; “values emotional intuition, intellectual discourse, and the intersection of national and cultural identities”.  Niegel Smith, a man that dedicates his life to “acknowledging and implicating the audience” will guide the 18 year old Flea Theatre to a newer understanding of cultural appreciation and to being open to those scary conversations we all want to have but aren’t really sure if we’re allowed- Niegel is giving us permission.

All best wishes to Niegel and the entire staff at the Flea Theatre.