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The New Heritage Theatre Group and The City College of New York recently hosted a staged reading of Allison Shillingford’s play, “At the Table,” on the CCNY campus. Directed by Michael Anthony Green, the production follows a graduate student interviewing a man serving a life sentence for murder. As the fourth installment of the Voza Rivers Legacy Project’s inaugural five-part Open Mic Series, the play explores themes of memory and justice. The dialogue eventually reveals an unexpected connection between the two characters.
Following the reading, the atmosphere shifted to an insightful dialogue during a Q&A session moderated by Maria Grazia Cavenaghi, International & Entertainment Editor for Harlem Community News. The panel featured Shillingford, Green, and Tony Award-winning producer Irene Gandy, who is widely recognized for her commitment to giving back to the arts community. Shillingford, who recently celebrated her 56th birthday, shared insights into her creative process and her vision for the work moving forward. Reflecting on the project, Gandy honored Shillingford’s commitment to her creative gifts, confirming to the audience that “you’re never too old to tell.”
When asked whether she envisioned the script transitioning to the silver screen or remaining on the stage, Shillingford remained steadfast in her theatrical roots. “I envision bringing the script to the stage with very few props, using a multimedia screen to capture images and move the play forward,” Shillingford shared. “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 provided a “full circle” moment for the playwright. Among the cast was actor John Canada Terrell, an original cast member of Spike Lee’s film She’s Gotta Have It. Shillingford took a moment to personally credit the film for setting her on her own artistic path decades ago. “It was that film that changed my life,” Shillingford remarked to Terrell. “I credit She’s Gotta Have It for my decision to attend film school at New York University.»
As the Voza Rivers Legacy Project continues to champion artists and creatives, “At the Table” stands as a testament to Rivers’ unwavering commitment to fostering talent throughout the “Harlems of the world.” The evening concluded with a sense of communal pride, celebrating both the legends who paved the way and the emerging voices like Shillingford who are carrying the torch forward into the future of American theater.
About New Heritage Theatre Group: New Heritage Theatre Group (NHTG) is the oldest Black nonprofit theater company in New York City. Established in 1964 by the late Roger Furman and led today by Voza Rivers, its mission is to preserve and celebrate African American culture through the performing arts. NHTG provides a platform for both emerging and established artists to present work that reflects the rich history and diverse experiences of the African Diaspora.
About The City College of New York: Since 1847, The City College of New York (CCNY) has provided a high-quality and affordable education to generations of New Yorkers in a wide range of disciplines. CCNY embraces its role at the forefront of social change. It is ranked #1 by The Chronicle of Higher Education out of 369 selective public colleges in the United States on the overall mobility index. This measure reflects both access and outcomes, showcasing CCNY’s success in helping students from low-income backgrounds move into the upper middle class.
