TAKING WOODSTOCK (2009)

Synopsis

An adaptation of Elliot Tiber's memoir "Taking Woodstock: A True Story of a Riot, A Concert, and A Life." The book, published last year by Square One Publishers, was written by Tiber with Tom Monte.

Tiber played an unexpected but pivotal role in making the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival into the famed happening it was. Working as an interior designer in Greenwich Village during culturally and politically exciting times, Tiber felt empowered by the gay-rights movement. But he was also still staked to the family business � a Catskills motel. As its part-time manager, he had become the local town's issuer of event permits, granting himself one annually for a small music festival. When he heard that the planned Woodstock concert had had its own permit denied by a neighboring town, he called to offer his own. Soon half a million people were on their way to Tiber's neighbor's farm in White Lake, New York, and Tiber found himself swept up in a generation-defining experience that would change his life, and American culture, forever.

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SMOKEY ROBINSON

Smokey Robinson Biograph
popular name of William Robinson Jr

Singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Robinson started out singing in local groups. In the early 1950s, he formed the Matadors, which later became the world famous Miracles. A chance meeting with record producer Berry Gordy, Jr. led to a contract with Motown Records as well as an important working relationship. The Miracles scored their first big hit with “Shop Around” (1960) and developed quite a following with their energetic R&B sound. The group has numerous hits, including “You Really Got a Hold on Me” (1962) and “I Second That Emotion” (1967). Robinson also worked behind the scenes, composing and producing for the Miracles and other Motown artists, such as Mary Wells and the Temptations. His work contributed to the success of Motown Records and helped advance the popularity of soul music.

Robinson went solo in 1972, creating a more mellow sound for himself. Often associated with romantic soul music, he released such successful albums as A Quiet Storm (1974) and Touch the Sky (1983). The mid-1980s were a difficult time for him as he battled a drug addiction. Robinson openly discussed his cocaine problem as well as many other personal topics in his 1989 autobiography Smokey: Inside My Life. He has credited his recovery from substance abuse to his religious faith.

Robinson went on to win his first Grammy Award as a solo artist in 1987 for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male for the song “Just To See Her” from the album One Heartbeat. Other later solo recordings included Double Good Everything (1991) and Intimate (1999). He took his work in a new direction in 2004, releasing a collection of music that reflected his spiritual beliefs entitled Food for the Spirit.

Still a popular entertainer, Robinson continues to perform live. He also has been busy as a public speaker, talking to groups about his personal experiences. Exploring new business opportunities, Robinson formed a food company called Smokey Robinson Foods, which includes a line of ready-to-eat meals.

In 2006, Robinson was selected to be a Kennedy Center Honoree for his contributions to the arts and American culture and received an honorary degree from Howard University. That year, he also put out a new album, Timeless Love, which offered Robinson’s own take on several classic songs, such as Cole Porter’s “Night and Day” and the Gershwin brothers’ “Our Love Is Here to Stay.”

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Safdar Hashmi , Indian Street Theatre

Street theatre is a popular medium of communication of traditional India. Street theatre is used to spread social and political messages in India. Street theatre in India is the most popular way to communicate with common people. It is performed in market places, parks and may be in front of anyone`s house or office.

The origin of street theatre in India can be traced back to the mid nineteenth century. Although there is no proper information, it is said that the street theatre started in the 1940s in India. Again, according to another source of history, when the 7th century AD Muslims invaded India, they did not like the theatre. But to keep the local sentiment intact, the theatre changed its form to street theater, which could not be performed in the Maharaja`s palaces. This form was known as `Rahs` in Punjabi. In Uttar Pradesh, it is known as `Nautanki` and in Bengal, it is popular as `Jatra`. The playing of `dholak` in street theatre attracts the people.

In India, Safdar Hashmi made the base of the theatre strong. He used theatre as a medium of public participation. Safdar Hashmi was born on April 12, 1954 in Delhi. His father was Haneef Hashmi and mother Qamar Azad. He passed his childhood days in Aligarh and finished his schooling in Delhi. He has done his MA in English literature from Delhi University. Safdar Hashmi took the teaching job in the University of Garhwal, Kashmir and Delhi for a short period. Then he worked in the Press Institute of India and then joined as the Press Information Officer of the Govt. of West Bengal in Delhi. He left this job too in 1984 and started working as a fulltime political cultural activist. Safdar Hashmi was a playwright, lyricist, actor, teacher, member of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, and journalist.

Safdar Hashmi was the founder member of his troupe `Jana Natya Manch`, `Janam`, which was formed in 1973. He has lots of contribution in the development of the street theatre in India. The Calcutta University honoured him with the D. Litt degree in 1989. Safdar Hashmi is one of the pioneers, who kept alive the ideals of a secular, patriotic and developing nation. He has enacted many plays to create public awareness on various political and social issues in a very creative format.

Safdar Hashmi along with his troupe was performing a play named `Halla Bol` (Raise Hell!) in Jhandapur, Sahibabad on the outskirts of Delhi. It was in support of the workers` demands led by the Center of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). All the people from all classes and groups came out in his support. This play was about the government`s role in the suppression of the workers` organs fro the economic struggle. During the show, the Congress workers arrived at the scene and attacked him with guns and other arms. This led to the death of Safdar Hashmi. He got injured in his skull and various other places. Thus his death gave birth of the Safdar Hashmi memorial trust (SAHMAT), which works for productive values and raises voice against the social inequalities in India. He has given over 4000 performances in the street theatres till his death.

Safdar Hashmi died for a good cause of the society. He used the popular tool like street theatre as a creative medium. He described the value of May Day to the common people of India through his street theatre performances. As a journalist Safdar Hashmi worked for Press Trust of India and The Economic Times.

A recent Hindi film named "Halla Bol" was made by Rajkumar Santoshi based on the life of Safdar Hashmi. But the real life of Safdar was quite far from the film. He inspired and educated people through his visionary street plays or theatres. He raised the issues like allowing the women workers in factory and labour sites and also to allow them to bring their children to look after. Therefore, to continue with his high spirit, only after 48 hours of his death, his wife and companion Moloyashree completed the disrupted performance of "Halla Bol" along with the actors of `Jana Natya Mancha`. So, as long as the street theatre exists, the name of Safdar Hashmi will be remembered with great respect.