Alachua County Poet Laureate E. Stanley Richardson represents the U.S. in the Lagos International Theater Festival with ‘Satchmo at the Waldorf’

Press release from Carol Velasques-Richardson

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Alachua County Poet Laureate, Actor, and Producer E.Stanley Richardson will represent the United States in the inaugural Lagos International Theatre Festival in Lagos, Nigeria, November 15-17, 2024, with a live performance of the one-man show “Satchmo at the Waldorf.”

The Festival features 25 plays, including three international plays from the United States, South Africa, and Zambia.

The Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) is bringing together a remarkable assembly of creative talents from across the globe. Organized by the iconic Bolanle Austen-Peters, Lawyer, Filmmaker and Producer (Netflix, Nollywood and Stage), in partnership with Lagos State, the United States Consulate General in Lagos, the inaugural edition of LITF aims to build a thriving community for thespians, enhancing excellence and promoting sustainability within the creative industry. The renowned theatre director, producer, and award-winning filmmaker is spearheading the festival alongside top corporate leaders like First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dorman Long Engineering, Amstel Malta, and The Wole Soyinka Theatre. 

https://lagosinternationaltheatrefestival.ng/

E. Stanley Richardson, an Alachua County, Florida native, will reprise his role as Louis Armstrong, jazz trumpeter, his Jewish manager Joe Glaser, and jazz great Miles Davis in a one-man production of Satchmo at the Waldorf, written by Terry Teachout at the Terra Kulture Arts Center, on Sunday, November 17, 2024. A special performance will be held at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria. Satchmo at the Waldorf is directed by Carol Velasques-Richardson and Technical Designer Michael McShane, Chicago Shakespeare Company. 

As an accomplished actor, poet, and cultural arts strategist, E. Stanley Richardson uses the power of poetry and storytelling to bring compelling stories to life. His previous productions have included The Royale, Fences, In Splendid Error, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, New Berry, From Colored to Black, Tambourines to Glory, and Free Man of Color.  In addition to acting, E. Stanley Richardson, Alachua County, Florida’s Poet Laureate, is the Founding Director of ARTSPEAKgnv, Inc, a cultural arts agency that promotes poetry, storytelling, and arts for youth and adults. .

Speaking on the launch,  Bolanle Austen-Peters said, “The creative industry is at the heart of every nation that thrives, and Nigeria is especially blessed with imaginative creativity and abundant talents. This is what God has blessed us with—the only resource that is infinite. It is important for us to provide a platform where our creatives can explore, tell our stories, and export our positive philosophies and values to the world. This is why we are launching the Lagos International Theatre Festival.” Lagos, Nigeria is the home of the original Afro Beats and a site of the Nollywood film industry.

Satchmo at the Waldorf (United States), starring E. Stanley Richardson, is one of three international productions including South Africa and Zambia.

Lagos State Government, a lead sponsor of the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF), proudly supports the arts and culture that thrive within its borders. According to The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, “Today, we celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage and artistic spirit that make our state truly special. This theatre festival not only showcases the incredible talent of our local performers, directors, and playwrights but also brings our communities together.

The Lagos International Theatre Festival promises a celebration of creativity and diversity, featuring performances from both local and international artists.