By HWM
The next generation of theater talent took center stage recently as the New Heritage Theatre Group and The City College of New York hosted a staged reading of playwright Allison Bonner Shillingford’s compelling new work, “At the Table,” as part of the inaugural Voza Rivers Legacy Project Open Mic Series.
Directed by Michael Anthony Green, the play follows a graduate student interviewing a man serving a life sentence for murder. What begins as a seemingly straightforward conversation evolves into a deeper exploration of memory, justice, and human connection, ultimately revealing a surprising link between the two characters.
Never miss new stories in Harlem
The reading marked the fourth installment in the five-part Open Mic Series, an initiative designed to elevate emerging voices in theater while honoring the legacy of legendary producer and arts advocate Voza Rivers.
Following the performance, audience members participated in a lively Q&A moderated by Maria Grazia Cavenaghi, international & entertainment editor for Harlem Community News. Joining the discussion were Shillingford, Green, and Tony Award-winning producer Irene Gandy, whose decades-long commitment to nurturing artists has made her a respected figure throughout the theater community.
For Shillingford, who recently celebrated her 56th birthday, the evening represented both a professional milestone and a reminder that creativity has no expiration date.
When asked whether she imagined “At the Table” becoming a film, Shillingford made it clear that the stage remains her preferred destination.
“I envision bringing the script to the stage with very few props, using a multimedia screen to capture images and move the play forward,” she explained. “I see all the action taking place right there at the table, where there is nowhere for the characters—or the audience—to hide from the truth.”
The evening also delivered a touching full-circle moment. Actor John Canada Terrell, an original cast member of Spike Lee‘s groundbreaking film “She’s Gotta Have It,” was among the performers. Shillingford shared that the film inspired her to attend New York University film school and pursue a career in storytelling.
As the Voza Rivers Legacy Project continues its mission of supporting artists throughout the “Harlems of the world,” “At the Table” serves as a powerful example of the new voices emerging through the program. The event celebrated not only a promising playwright but also the enduring impact of mentorship, opportunity, and community in shaping the future of American theater.
Photo: Voza Rivers Legacy Project
Latest Posts:
Become a Harlem Insider!
From history to today’s headlines—everything Harlem, in your inbox.
By signing up, you’re agreeing to receive communications from Harlem World Magazine and our Privay Policy.