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Pomo Afro Homos

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(Redirected from Postmodern African American Homosexuals) African-American gay theater troupe founded in San Francisco

Pomo Afro Homos (1990–1995), short for postmodern African American homosexuals, was an African-American gay theater troupe founded in San Francisco by choreographer-dancer Djola Bernard Branner, actor Brian Freeman, and singer, dancer, and actor Eric Gupton. Later, Marvin K. White joined the group. They presented the black gay male experience. Their pieces include Fierce Love: Stories From Black Gay Life and Dark Fruit. They got their start through exposure via National Performance Network festivals.

Behind the scenes

The original concept of the group was to show the issues affecting each black gay person, from family issues and AIDS to acceptance within the community and racism. These issues were controversial during this era because in the 90's, famous athlete Magic Johnson had admitted to acquiring HIV from having multiple sex partners. David Roman had referenced these issues including the play Six Degrees of Separation, comparing them to one another because of their influence on the same subjects. Roman complemented the Pomo's on their bravery to show these subjects instead of backing down from the rejection they received in certain places.

The Pomo's shows started with a low budget, so they had few props, and the focus was on the actors. Many of the skits were based on Freeman's, Gupton's, and Branner's experience with their homosexuality and the society around them. The skits were portrayed by parodying, over acting, and truly speaking out about the problems they were faced with. In an article by Stephen Holden critiquing the Pomo's show, Dark Fruit (one of the Pomo's later pieces) is more comedic than Fierce Love. Holden praises Freeman for his acting and being able to expose himself on stage. He critiques Branner for his lack of charisma, but still complements him for being soft and moving.

Fame and controversy

The group performed at Lincoln Center and elsewhere nationally.

The Village Voice reviewed their show, which reached an audience that followed their success.

In 1991, the National Black Theatre Festival (North Carolina) banned the group.

In 1993, Out North, a theater company in Anchorage, Alaska, invited them to perform in Anchorage. Out North attempted to purchase advertising from the city bus company for "Fierce Love." The bus company, backed by then-mayor Tom Fink, rejected the ads. Later, the mayor attempted to cancel Out North's municipal funding. The city council overrode the Mayor's veto.

Brown University offers a course titled Black Lavender: A Study of Black Gay and Lesbian Plays, and Dramatic Constructions in the American Theatre which studies the works of Pomo Afro Homos among others.

Legacy

The Pomo Afro Homos were received with open arms in many places (although not all), showing other generations what could become of their own problems when expressed and portrayed. They left room for others to contribute with ideas and start their own production. The show is still being performed today as Fierce Love (Remix) and continues to expose the issues of today and contrast with the concerns of the original production.

References

  1. ^ “Pomo Afro Homos / National Performance Network.” Accessed January 28, 2013.
  2. ^ Pomo Afro Homos in Anchorage Archived 2007-06-22 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 2007-08-09
  3. ^ Pomo Afro Homos co-founder dies at 43 retrieved 2007-08-09 Archived February 18, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  4. Román, David. Acts of Intervention: Performance, Gay Culture, And AIDS. Indiana University Press, 1998.
  5. "Review/Performance Art; Gentle Souls of Gay, Black Defiance". The New York Times, July 27, 1993.
  6. ^ Hurwitt, Robert, Eric Gupton -- Afro Pomo Homos troupe co-founder, San Francisco Chronicle, 2003-05-03, retrieved 2007-08-09
  7. Goldberg, Jonah, Black History Month: Why? And the Ivy League’s misplaced emphasis, National Review, 2001-02-15, retrieved 2007-08-09
  8. Brown University course offerings: Black Lavender: Black Gay/Lesbian Plays/Dramatic Constructions in the American Theatre AFRI 0990 - S01, retrieved 2010-08-06
  9. "Pomo AfroHomos Redos". Bay Area Reporter, Retrieved 2013-01-28
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