Keystone XL Rejected, Arts Ensemble In Milwaukee, What Makes A Good Cookbook?

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An African-American arts ensemble is starting a residency at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre this year in hopes of creating positive change in southeastern Wisconsin. The ensemble’s director gives us an idea of what we can expect from the company in the coming months. We also get the story behind what makes a great cookbook, and get the latest on President Obama’s decisoin to reject the Keystone XL oil pipeline plan.

Featured in this Show

  • Milwaukee's African-American Arts Scene Gets Boost From New Partnership

    Many African-American-led theaters around the country are struggling to stay afloat so the recent announcement that the Milwaukee Repertory Theater offered residency to the Bronzeville Arts Ensemble for their next season couldn’t come at a better time.

    “We’re at a crisis point, I do believe,” said Malkia Stampley, producing artistic director for Bronzeville. “There are (a few successful theaters) that have been going strong … but there is still a need to continue adding to the American theater community and to make sure that African-American directors, producers and writers have a platform to create art.”

    Stampley and seven other Milwaukee artists founded Bronzeville in 2013 to address the lack of black theater in Milwaukee while bringing great stories and performances to the area with a black perspective.

    Stampley, was raised in what she called one of “the most disadvantaged zip codes areas in Wisconsin, 53206” and yet, still considers herself a product of theater.

    She said she believes the insight and connections that she and others in the company have to the local African-American community will help bring new perspective to the “Rep,” while looking for ways to work together to reach that community in collaboration.

    “There is a great opportunity for us to work together with larger budget/arts organizations to help increase their diversity effort while supporting the work they are already doing,” said Stampley.

    She also hopes the partnership will help Bronzeville provide the opportunities and connections to reach new talent in local youth and make theater accessible to them and others in the community.

    “I feel like art should be free and accessible, and of course that can be difficult. But whatever way we’re able to do that; whether it’s partnering with the recreation department, having plays in the park, or going to the schools, we’re going to find ways to do that,” she said.

  • President Obama Rejects Keystone XL Oil Pipeline

    President Obama has turned down the Keystone XL oil pipeline plan after a hotly-debated seven-year review process. An energy reporter gives us the latest on the decision, and what it means for America’s energy industry going forward.

  • Milwaukee Rep and Bronzeville Arts Ensemble Partner

    We discuss a new partnership between the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and The Bronzeville Arts Ensemble with the producing Artistic Director of the African-American theater company.

  • Food Friday: What Makes A Great Cookbook?

    Chances are that you have a favorite cookbook. On Food Friday, we find out what makes a cookbook stand out from the crowd, and we want to hear about your go-to resources in the kitchen.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Host
  • KP Whaley Producer
  • Matt Oleson Producer
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Producer
  • Malkia Stampley Guest
  • Elana Schor Guest
  • Anna Thomas Bates Guest

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