News Release
April 8, 2005
"One Love" - An Original, Student-Created Production Exploring Hip-Hop Culture, Running April 14 To 16 At North High School
North High School's Black Masque Theatre Company announces its upcoming production of one love, an original hip-hop theatrical production focusing on the richness and cultural variety within the hip-hop generation.
'one love' provides a most comprehensive and powerful examination of hip-hop's cultural impact in the United States. Performances of 'one love' will run nightly at North High School at 7 p.m. from Thursday, April 14 through Saturday, April 16, with one matinee performance on April 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets for 'one love' are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and are available for purchase at North High School and Common Grounds Coffee House on 32nd and Lowell in Denver.
Hip-Hop has had a steady grip on pop culture in the U.S. for over twenty years and is now a growing influence world wide. 'one love' explores why this ingenious creative expression has captured today's youth. 'one love' was collectively created by students to serve the needs of Denver's diverse youth population and strengthen the cultural traditions of the community.
The project is directed by Jose Mercado, an actor and teacher who has guided the theater program at North High School since September of 2003. North High School's theater program had a significant impact on the city of Denver in 2004 with the production of Zoot Suit Riots. Under the direction of Mercado, the drama program has built cultural bridges in Denver's diverse communities with its theatrical events. Critical response to North's theater department has been incredibly positive and encouraging, prompting the department to continue creating diverse and poignant productions.
Mercado has recruited students from grades 9-12 to serve as actors, designers and stagecrew, involving more than 20 students. 'one love' attempts to attract new audiences to the performing arts by creating an excitement around live theatre that many young people have never experienced.
'one love' promises to be a unique opportunity for students to reinforce social traditions while generating an appreciation of cultural diversity. Collaborating with Mercado on the artistic merit of the project are DJ Chonz of KS-107.5 and Asia One, an LA based choreographer. With these professionals, the students experience the possibility of working in the world of professional theater, music and dance. For more information on 'one love,' please call 720-423-2700 or 720-423-2746.