Poet: A Funk Opera-Am I An American Now? Written, Conceived, Directed and Starring Faraji Salim

Live and direct from the new hit HBO Original Series, Russell Simmons Def Poetry, poet and soul singer Faraji Salim stars in this irreverent Funk Opera that imaginatively addresses the concerns of a wounded Nation through several intense doses of spitfire spoken word, electrifying dance, and soulful melodies. All set to a backdrop of the music George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. This original spoken word inspired theatrical production weaves the myriad of Faraji Salims literary and performance talents into an amazing quilt of artistry, promising to warm the entire audience. Faraji Salims debut Off-Broadway show can be described as an exploration into the thoughts of Black citizenship and the long history of African Americans Private Patriotism". Issues raised through the performance delivered by Faraji Salim in Poet: A Funk Opera-Am I An American Now? range from the long and documented history of overlooked contributions made by black Americans to the fabric of the American story--all the way to powerful pieces of theatrical rawness inspired by many African American citizens responses to the change in our way post September 11th.

TO: All Media Affiliates
FROM: First Man Entertainment, Inc. West Orange, NJ
Contact: Manuel Beckles (973) 731-1623, (201) 532-8745 or
Jay Welch (201) 656-1659, (917) 445-1645
RE: Announcement and Overview for
Poet: A Funk Opera-Am I An American Now?
Written, Conceived, Directed and Starring Faraji Salim

The Triad Theatre
158 West 72nd Street
(Btw. Broadway & Columbus Ave.)
New York, NY
Theater Hotline 212-799-4599
Take the NYC Subway lines: 1, 2, 3, 9, B, C to 72nd St.; then travel west to theatre

Tickets Available for The First Seven Show via Ticket Central
Ticket Line 212-279-4200 or visit their website www.ticketcentral.org
Limited Engagement June 7th 2002 through June 9th 2002