Black Ensemble Theater Is Not Faking the Funk

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Daryl D. Brooks about his new musical, YOU CAN’T FAKE THE FUNK: A JOURNEY THROUGH FUNK MUSIC.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to Black Ensemble Theater's Daryl D. Brooks about his new musical, YOU CAN'T FAKE THE FUNK (A JOURNEY THROUGH FUNK MUSIC).

“(James Brown) created the rhythm of the one and so that is the basis behind why funk music was created. So, it’s those types of stories that are interesting.”  - Daryl D. Brooks talking about his approach to writing YOU CAN’T FAKE THE FUNK.

Daryl D. Brooks, associate director at Black Ensemble Theater

Black Ensemble Theater is known for its original musical productions that pay tribute to great African-American artists and performers.  So far this season, the company has presented productions celebrating legends Mahalia Jackson and Lena Horne. Black Ensemble’s current production will explore the history and evolution of funk music. 

Black Ensemble associate director Daryl D. Brooks wrote and is directing the world premiere YOU CAN’T FAKE THE FUNK: A JOURNEY THROUGH FUNK MUSIC. The production some of the greatest funk tunes ever created by artists like James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, Chaka Khan and the Commodores.

Black Ensemble Theater’s world premiere YOU CAN’T FAKE THE FUNK: A JOURNEY THROUGH FUNK MUSIC continues through September 22. Go to blackensembletheater.org