Underwood and de Lavallade: Career, Politics and a Streetcar Named Desire

Two-time Golden Globe actor Blair Underwood and legendary dancer/actress Carmen de Lavallade shared the stage Thursday night at LIU's Kumble Theatre for an intimate conversation on their decades-long journeys as performers on stage and in film, and how a changing socio-political climate has impacted their careers.

The event, "Live & Outspoken," was a special edition of a series produced by 651 Arts and moderated by WBAI Radio host, Esther Armah.

Underwood and Lavallade were brought together specifically to discuss their roles in the upcoming Tennessee Williams play, A Streetcar Named Desire, opening April 3 on Broadway for 16 weeks only, and also starring Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent) as Stella, Nicole Ari Parker ("Soul Food") as Blanche and Wood Harris ("The Wire") as Mitch.

Off the heels of her 81st birthday, de Vallade discussed her commissioned body of work and Blair shared his experience on NBC’s, Who Do You Think You Are.

The two performers talked about their expansive careers and how their roles in A Streetcar Named Desire in many ways represents a revolutionary move for black actors, producers and directors, who, less than 20 years ago, were not afforded the same opportunities for full-scale productions on Broadway.

Underwood talked about political activism and the ways actors can best affect change, both big and small, through their role choices. De Lavallade shared a riveting account of witnessing six decades of a changing entertainment industry-- one once steeped in racism and segregation, to one where actors of color can now carve their own way on both Broadway and through film and television.

De Lavallade implored her audience of captive listeners to be proud, yet disciplined in their craft, while also always seeking ways to give back.

"I learned a lot about being generous from Josephine Baker," said de Lavallade. "Most stars would not have had a younger lady share the stage with them. But not only did [Josephine] share her stage with me, she always pushed me forward. She encouraged me and would often tell me, 'Carmen, you do not bow enough.'"

De Lavallade and her husband Geoffrey Holder are the subjects of a documentary, "Carmen & Geoffrey," a film by Linda Atkinson and Nick Doob, playing Tuesday, April 24, 7:00pm, at the Baryshnikov Arts Center, 450 W. 37th Street. Tickets are $15.

Also, on Monday, March 19, at 7:00pm, Underwood will join his A Streetcar Named Desire cast mates Rubin-Vega, Ari-Parker, Harris and Director Emily Mann (Artistic Director of Princeton's esteemed McCarter Theatre), along with Executive Producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones of Front Row Productions for an intimate conversation at The Green Space, 44 Charlton Street, New York, NY
(corner of Varick Street). Tickets are $15.

To purchase tickets for A Streetcar Named Desire, go here.