Zora Returns to Harlem

Zora Returns to Harlem ignites the spirit of Zora’s adventurous energy in Harlem while preparing Harlem to trace its roots to the famous era retracing the richest collaborations in African American Literature that ended in what some calls the most infamous quarrel in African-American Literature. The one woman play is filled with gut wrenching history about the life and times of Harlem’s’ Renaissance woman who came from the south with one pair of underwear, one dress, and one pair of shoes and ultimately became one of the worlds famous literary genius.

Starring NAACP 2007 Award Winner Antonia Badón Written by Five-Time AUDELCO Award Winner Laurence Holder Directed by Five-Time AUDELCO Award Winner Jerome Preston Bates 2007 Award Winner New Orleans native, Antonia Badón stars as ‘ZORA’ – the enigmatic writer and folklorist of the Harlem Renaissance, written by Laurence Holder. Director/Actor Jerome Preston Bates is a Five-Time AUDELCO Award Winner in theater excellence. His directing credits include, the August Wilson ten-play cycle for the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History.

Zora Returns to Harlem, the one-woman play (15 character portrayal) of ‘ ZORA,’ tells the story of the legendary Zora Neale Hurston, a quintessential survival writer and Harlem Renaissance Woman. Ms. Hurston ranks amongst the most widely taught American authors. She is the center of literary study throughout the world, the first black woman to graduate from Bernard College and a (1936) recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship Award.

“Zora Neale Hurston has never been more alive than in the soul-tingling fifteen portraits presented with respect, empathy, and boundless love, by a young New Orleans-bred actress named, Antonia Badon. Antonia shares the heart, soul, and true spirit of ZORA with such care that the pioneering and fearless writer struts right before our eyes, and we feel her in our bones; in all her charm, wit, and glory. This performance is ripe for the college circuit and anyone who believes in the power of one person to move the world!" (2000 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers) -Richard Fewell

“It is a heroic performance by Ms. Badón, who holds the audience…included Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist and distinguished editor, Les Payne – in the palm of her hand for an hour and twenty minutes…the applause was tumultuous from the packed room…a splendid evening of theater". (The Black World Today) -Playthell Benjamin

“Antonia Badon’s ZORA gives us her heart and mirth. Sparking in its Simplicity!” (WHCR-radio) -Daaiya Lomaxx

“Zora” Goes to Harlem, is a story that needs to be told. Badón gives a flawless performance that brings back the appreciation for black literary achievement …a show-stopping debut at the intimate dinner theater” –Khadijah Cole

Witness the past, the present, and the future of a writer who helped transform Harlem’s economic structure with the launching of the first black literary work “Fire.” With the gift of story-telling and the ability to soar beyond the highest of heights, ZORA tells a story of the times she reached her apex and discovered her potential as an anthropologist, essayist and contributor to various projects with her “colored” contemporaries including Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, Wallace Thurman, Alain Locke, Dubois and Garvey. Laurence Holder is a gifted and talented writer, actor and professor, as well as five-time AUDELCO Award winner for playwriting. Mr. Holder is the author of the award winning plays: When the Chickens Came Home to Roost (which starred Denzel Washington), M: The Mandela Saga, Monk, Zora Neale Hurston, Red Channels, MonknBud, and crowd pleaser Zora! The world premiere of Zora! starred Phylicia Allen (Gem of the Ocean). Other plays by Mr. Holder to have received award consideration are: Swee’Pea and the Duke, NelsonnSimone, Fagen, Zora, and Langston, Man, and Woman. Zora packs all the ingredients of a "must-see” production and is destined for BROADWAY!