Nazareth College Arts Center presents "The W.Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism In About an Hour"
The Nazareth College Arts Center presents sociopolitical comedian and host of the Emmy-winning CNN series United Shades of America host W. Kamau Bell in The W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism In About an Hour on Friday January 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater.
THE PERFORMANCE
W. Kamau Bell delivers incisive, scathingly funny commentary on modern society that will change your view of race, politics, and social issues in America. His edgy yet level-headed view of the world leaves you with a more hopeful understanding of our country's challenges, as well as conversation-stoking takeaways on humanity and social change that will have you contemplating the state of the union long after he has left the stage.
"The W. Kamau Bell Curve" is a comedic, topical exploration of the current state of America's racism, combined with a little (unknown) history, a little Powerpoint, and a whole bunch of Kamau. And because racism is always attacking in new ways and from new angles, Kamau attacks back by constantly adding new material. "The Curve" is a seamless mix of stand-up comedy, video and audio clips, personal stories, knowledge dropping, and solo theatrical performance.
"Bell coming to Rochester continues the much needed constructive dialogue around uncomfortable topics in our local, regional, national and global world," said Olajiwon McCadney, director for diversity and inclusive excellence education at Nazareth College. "By incorporating humor in this dialogue, Bell addresses the importance of threading humanity into these often-painful conversations. This insight is particularly beneficial to Nazareth College as we continue to build and sustain a community of belonging here at Nazareth."
"We're very excited to be bringing W. Kamau Bell, a high profile comedian and author, to the Arts Center," said Rita Mannelli, executive director of the Arts Center. "His 'Curve' is a perfect example of how art can educate and inspire."
**Prior to his appearance, Kamau will join Olajiwon McCadney, director for diversity and inclusive excellence education on WXXI’s popular program “Connections with Evan Dawson.” Listen to the interview live on Tuesday, January 14 at 1 p.m. or stream the interview here.**
ABOUT W. KAMAU BELL
W. Kamau Bell is the host of the 5-time Emmy-winning CNN series United Shades of America (including a win for "Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program" in 2019). In 2018, he made his Netflix debut with the stand-up comedy special, Private School Negro and is also the director of the critically-acclaimed documentary Cultureshock: Chris Rock's Bring the Pain. He is also known for the short-lived FX and FXX comedy series, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, which inspired "The W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism In About an Hour." Kamau has hosted three critically acclaimed podcasts: Kamau Right Now! Politically Re-Active, and Denzel Washington is The Greatest Actor of All Time Period.
Kamau's writing has been featured in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Hollywood Reporter, CNN.com, Salon, The LA Review of Books, and The Establishment. In 2017, he published his book The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian.
He has been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards and a GLAAD award, and he was featured on Conde Nast's 'Daring 25' list for 2016. He is also on the advisory board of Hollaback! And Donors Choose and is the ACLU Celebrity Ambassador for Racial Justice.
TICKETS
Tickets to see in The W.Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism In About an Hour are $45-$75 and are available online at artscenter.naz.edu, by phone at (585) 389-2170, or in person at the Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, N.Y. 14618.
Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a m.- 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. until curtain time on performance days. Please note special holiday hours below.
**Christmas/New Year's** hours
The box office will be closed December 23-30, and will re-open on Tuesday, December 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The box office will be closed on Wednesday, January 1. Regular box office hours resume on Thursday, January 2. Tickets always available online at artscenter.naz.edu.
For More Information
Michelle Shippers | Marketing & Publicity Manager | 585-389-2093 or mshippe0@naz.edu |
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
