Topically Yours - Playwright Rudolph Shaw

Host Deardra Shuler interviews playwright Rudolph Shaw regarding his play Biko Rising, the South African freedom fighter, Steven Biko.  The play will appear at the Castillo Theatre at 543 W. 42nd St in Manhattan on Saturday June 17 at 7pm and Sunday, June 18 at 2pm.  Born in South Africa in 1946, Steve Biko co-founded the South African Students' Organization, subsequently spearheading the nation's Black Consciousness Movement, and co-founded the Black People's Convention. Biko was arrested many times for his anti-apartheid work and, on September 12, 1977, died from injuries that he'd sustained while in police custody.

Guyana born playwright Rudolph Shaw has been involved with the Negro Ensemble Company, studied dance at Alvin Ailey, performed with the Ron Roach Caribbean Ensemble and Olatunji African Dance Company and is an AUDELCO Award winner. A singer, Shaw is currently the Executive/Artistic Director of the Caribbean American Repertory Theatre in New York.  Mr Shaw will be showcasing his play Biko Rising at the Castillo Theatre in NYC and in Queens to commerate the 40th anniversary of Biko's death.