PLAYDATES
THE HOOD BABIES TAPES:
VOLUME 1
The play is titled “The Hood Babies’ Tapes”, which encompasses a fictional world that mirrors social issues in the Black community. The performance takes form as the live taping of a kids’ TV show program. The program is set in an urban cityscape diorama and highlights 3 main characters called the HOOD BABIES -which are 30 inch cable-controlled mechanical puppets. Each puppet has its own episode that delves into a specific issue in the black community while also presenting potential solutions. This project intends to embody the cultural essence of Sesame Street while focusing on relevant contemporary issues for adult audiences. The story represents the evolution of Black consciousness by healing one’s inner child through unlearning generational patterns.
CAST
Buba Baby
Desmond
Coco
Brandon
Director
Beyonce
Emmanuel
Thalya
William
Naghie
STAGE SET UP
IMPORTANT DATES
TECH DAY
March 31- 1pm-5pm/ 6pm-10pm
FINAL PERFORMANCES
April 4- 7:30pm
April 5- 2pm
April 5- 7:30pm
THBT SCRIPT
DESMOND
(HOOD BABY #1)
Episode 1:
The Americano Dream
Desmond (voiced by Emmanuel Elpenord) is a money-chasing hustler. This episode focuses on Black capitalism and the pursuit of money, power, and respect. As Dezzy chases his dream of becoming wealthy, his aspirations of financial success reveals his insecurity surrounding his social standing. Buba reminds him that money doesn’t bring happiness nor acceptance.
DEMO
COCO
(HOOD BABY #2)
Episode 2:
Black vs. Board of Education
Coco (voiced by Thalya David) is a self proclaimed afropessimist. In this episode we see how she struggles to function in everyday life with the constant awareness of black oppression. As she deals with the effects of racial trauma, Buba proposes the act of detachment to counter her ever-present cynicism.
PLAYDATE #1
PLAYDATE #2
PLAYDATE #3
BRANDON
(HOOD BABY #3)
Episode 3:
Flirting with Futures
Brandon (voiced by Will PK Carter) is the embodiment of wasted potential. He is a talented singer with big dreams of becoming a global pop star. In this episode we see how his fears of failure and being a black sheep prevent him from pursuing his goals. Buba encourages ambition and confidence to combat complacency.
PLAYDATE #1
1ST PLAYDATE NOT RECORDED
PLAYDATE #2
PAST EVENTS
THE HOOD BABIES’ PLAYDATE
Hood Babies' Records Auditions
Test Animation
w/ Object Movement Puppet Residency cohort
MID-RESIDENCY SHOWING
Practicing Coco’s episode