BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Theater fans won’t have to leave Brooklyn to catch some free outdoor performances this summer.
The "August in August Series" takes over Fulton and Herbert Von King parks this month with productions from the works of award-winning playwright August Wilson.
The Bed-Stuy Theatre Group presents the showcase in partnership with Councilman Robert Cornegy’s arts and culture initiative, bringing “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Two Trains Running” to central Brooklyn.
Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture to the councilman, said he wanted to introduce the series to the borough as a tribute to Shakespeare in the Park — the popular free performances at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater.
“Outside of being one of the most prolific playwrights of his time, he spoke about the things that all of us felt and couldn’t find the words to say," Grant said of Wilson.
The production kicks off on Aug. 13 at Fulton Park with “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Wilson’s 1982 play that touches on the music industry and issues of race and art. Local director known as Vaintino takes charge of play.
“It’s a labor of love,” said Vaintino, who co-founded the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group with Kevin Leonard at the start of the year.
“My personal goal is to bring the idea that theater could inspire people, get the youth involved in drama, read authors and, by them seeing it, see that it’s possible to reach out to more people in the neighborhood, that it’s something they can get involved in."
The series continues on Aug. 26 and Aug. 27 at Fulton and Herbert Von King parks with a production of “Two Trains Running,” produced by Andrea J. Fulton and directed by Sabura Rashi.
A performance of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” will be held on Aug. 13 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Fulton Park.
Productions of “Two Trains Running” will be featured at Fulton Park on Aug. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Von King Park from 3 to 7 p.m.
