The Artivist, the Bayard Rustin Story

See it if you'd like to know something about a core civil rights organizer who was also semi-publicly homosexual at a time when no one else was.

Don't see it if you know a bit about Rustin & might get frustrated at how much a curious 50-minute dramatized lecture has to leave out.

Also This is essentially a 50-minute 1-man dramatized lecture about core civil rights organizer Bayard Rustin. That Rustin was also semi-publicly homosexual in the decades before the 1969 Stonewall riots began to make a public space for gay people makes him all the more noteworthy. And these few facts just scratch the surface of his notable life! “THE ARTIVIST” is too scattered, sketchy & confusing to succeed as theater or as bullet-point history. But if it sends members of the audience who did not live through the key events of the desegregation movement of the 1950s and 1960s to find out more about this complex man—who lived to make alliances with the neo-conservative movement in the 1980s—it will have served a purpose.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re interested in U.S. Black and Gay history all in 1. The venue is small + has its issues but it’s worth overlooking these.if upon can.

Don't see it if You’re looking for a fun musical. However the education is especially relevant today

See it if ur interested in challenges & victories of civil rights & gay rights history that may be repeating itself today-Good writing & good acting

Don't see it if ur body can't stand 1 hour in cramped conditions sitting on folding chairs with no back support - or aren't interested in civil & gay rights

See it if You want to see the story of an important but not well known figure in the civil rights movement

Don't see it if You don’t like one man shows or you’re not interested in African-American history

See it if To learn more about one of our country's greatest change makers To see what an amazing group of talented professionals can do on the cheap

Don't see it if If you are a bigot or if you only enjoy big shows with puppets Also Black studies folks may disagree with some portrayals but see it anyway

Also Artivist -combining "artist" and "activist".

Bayard Rustin may be the most important organizer and activist of the last 50 years and someone who far too few people know anything about.

Carla Debbie Alleyne is clearly a true artivist herself. She made a myriad of smart choices to portray both Rustin's vulnerability and strength in only 50 minutes. The impressive result works for middle schoolers & adults alike.

Keyonn Sheppard - another Artivist brings love, intensity, and amazing detail to Rustin and others. The many voices & personalities he captures is remarkable.

Carla Debbie Alleyne has assembled some serious talent. Music & Set design are done by people who clearly know their business. The combo of video backdrop, music & stage performance is perfect and benefits from gritty low cost space, a powerful opening showcases the multi-media approach.

My knowledge of Rustin is superficial at best so The Artivist taught me about his life beyond the SCLC period & about his music.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in the Civil Rights Movement and in people who stood up for what is right! Great story and acting.

Don't see it if you are not interested in history or only want entertainment not history lessons in your free time.

Also I was absorbed by this story from start to finish and will probably watch it again with my husband and friends. This takes place in a tiny, intimate theatre (and they usually only open doors 15 mins before show time) but people are very nice and it somehow contributes to the atmosphere: it felt a bit like the audience was part of the Civil Rights Movement, chanting and clapping with Bayard Rustin. Great historic video projections.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to learn of Bayard Rustin's involvement in the civil rights movement.

Don't see it if you will be disappointed that the life of Bayard Rustin is not discussed in more detail. Also, the play is only 55 minutes.

See it if you want a glimpse into the life of one of the lesser known founders of the Civil Rights Movement.

Don't see it if you like an ensemble cast (it's a one man show) and want a more straight forward story.

See it if If you’ve never heard of Bayard Rustin you will want to see this one man 50 minute play. Funds raised help support City Kids.

Don't see it if You need a well produced show. This little theatre runs on a tight budget. Also, there is no intermission.

See it if You are not familiar with Beyard Rustin, an underated, or at least under represented leader in the civil rights movement.

Don't see it if you dislike one person shows, even when the actor is skilled at impersonation.

Also An enjoyable and educational play with wonderful acting. Nicely supported by photographs and live action video. Just scratches the surface. Would love to see more.... Read more Read less

See it if Was at the opening night- very moving story of a real community activist who somehow got overlooked.Great use of film, strong storytelling.

Don't see it if If you like fluffy shows about characters who didn’t achieve much in their life.Do read his bio on Wiki beforehand. A true fighter inspiring

See it if you're interested in civil rights history, underappreciated historical figures, queer history, one-man shows

Don't see it if you'd prefer a coherent plot rather than moments in a man's life, a full cast rather than a one-man show

See it if If you want to do the truth about another person that pushed the CIVIL RIGHTS BILL INTO HISTORY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS AND WOMEN!

Don't see it if IF YOU DON'T LIKE TRUE BLACK HISTORY DURING BLACK HISTORY SEASON.

See it if You want to learn more about an under celebrated architect of the civil rights movement & to draw connections to current race matters

Don't see it if You are uninterested in efforts to expand human rights & perhaps students of Black history could take issue with some portrayals

Also Great effort by lead actor - he brought several characters (figures from the civil rights era) to life - not just Baynard - he was a convincing Abernathy & Carmichael

Good media mix of archival video, hip-hop & narrative - strong audience engagement

Tiny venue

Just the right length

Fantastic history lesson

A bit superficial in parts... Read more Read less

See it if you are unfamiliar with the achievements of Bayard Rustin. Admittedly, I knew little, but the show made me want to learn more.

Don't see it if you are not a fan of solo shows, or shows that have a historical bent.

Also The central performance of Keyonn Sheppard was engaging, moreso than the material itself. While it does not reinvent the wheel theatrically, it nevertheless works as an endearing homage to the early life of Mr. Rustin.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a brief, yet powerful biographical play on Bayard Rustin's life and work in an intimate theatre.

Don't see it if You expect a dramatic plot.

See it if you'd appreciate a multimedia show w/ a charismatic star recounting history of the civil right movement, often in Rustin's own poetic words.

Don't see it if you know everything about the civil rights movement 1940-70 or are uninterested in this critical period & one of its sadly less known heroes

Also let's hope that resources will be available to flesh out this very good production into something even finer, with additional material and the luxury of time to polish and fine tune this fledgling creation.... Read more Read less