<div>We are THE BTMR PROJECT – a collective of creatives, performers, and producers behind the award-winning play <strong>BLACK TO MY ROOTS: African American Tales from the Head and the Heart </strong>by Kathya Alexander and Renechia Brown and its two powerful sister projects:
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<li><strong>HAIR'S BREATH: Music Inspired by BTMR</strong>, featuring the soulful Adra Boo
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<li><strong>MWEUSI MPAKA MIZIZI</strong>, a Swahili translation of <em>Black To My Roots</em>, adapted by Muso Simekha
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<div>These works dive deep into the personal, social, and political significance of Black women’s hair, exploring its profound impact on self-esteem, social interactions, and career opportunities. <em>Black To My Roots</em> is not just a story about hair—it’s a tale of identity, culture, and the legacy of Black women in the United States and beyond. The complex, historical relationship African American women have with their hair touches on our shared history, self-worth, and power in ways that are often overlooked.
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<div><strong>Why We Need Your Help</strong>
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<div>After a successful 25th Anniversary production of <em>Black To My Roots</em> at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle this past November, we are excited to expand the reach of <strong>The BTMR Project</strong> to global audiences by taking our work to the <strong>Edinburgh Festival Fringe</strong> in August 2025—the world’s largest and oldest theater festival, held in Edinburgh, Scotland. We are also planning additional performances and readings in Seattle and beyond.
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<div><strong>What’s in Store</strong>
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<ul>
<li><strong>August 2025</strong>: Full production of <em>Black To My Roots</em> and <em>Hair’s Breath: Music Inspired by BTMR</em> at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
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<li><strong>May 2025</strong>: Staged reading of <em>Mweusi Mpaka Mizizi</em> (the Swahili translation of BTMR) in Seattle
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<li><strong>October 2025</strong>: An encore performance of <em>Black To My Roots</em> in Seattle
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<div>To make this vision a reality, we are launching this <strong>GoFundMe Campaign</strong> to raise $25,000 to cover the essential upfront costs needed to bring <strong>The BTMR Project</strong> to life on an international stage.
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<div><strong>What Your Donation Will Support:</strong>
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<ul>
<li>Seattle and UK venue deposits
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<li>Festival registration fees
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<li>Housing deposits
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<li>Marketing materials
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<li>Liability insurance
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<li>Travel applications
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</ul>
<div>Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will directly impact our ability to bring these vital stories to audiences across the world. This work is deeply important, and every dollar helps us reach a broader stage.
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<div><strong>Meet The BTMR Family:</strong>
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<ul>
<li><strong>Adra Boo</strong> – Actress
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<li><strong>Brenda Melrose</strong> – Actress
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<li><strong>Muso Simekha</strong> – Actress
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<li><strong>Giavonna White</strong> – Actress
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<li><strong>Tonya White</strong> – Actress
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<li><strong>Kathya Alexander</strong> – Playwright
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<li><strong>Reneschia Brown</strong> – Playwright
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<li><strong>Justice Beitzel</strong> – Assistant Director &amp; Co-Choreographer
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<li><strong>Tyrone Brown</strong> – Director, Producer, &amp; Founder of Nxt Thrsdy
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<li><strong>Robin Campbell</strong> – Assistant Director &amp; Co-Choreographer
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<li><strong>Katarina Whitfield</strong> – Associate Producer
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<li><strong>Blake Madden</strong> – Musician &amp; Producer
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<div>This team, led by <strong>Nxt Thrsdy</strong> and in collaboration with <strong>Brownbox Theatre</strong> and <strong>ajusticenetwork</strong>, is bringing together a diverse group of artists to tell an incredibly important story—one that is meant to be heard worldwide.
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<div>Through <strong>The BTMR Project</strong>, we aim to honor Black women's history and experience, using art to spark conversations about culture, identity, and empowerment. By showcasing these works on international and local stages, we hope to empower Black women’s voices and stories, inspire future generations, and create a space where Black women’s stories can be celebrated globally.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help:</strong>
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<div>1. <strong>Donate</strong>: Any amount you can give will help us reach our goal.
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<div>2. <strong>Share</strong>: Spread the word with friends, family, and colleagues. Every share brings us one step closer to making this dream a reality.
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<div>3. <strong>Support Us</strong>: Follow <em>The BTMR Project</em> on social media, attend our performances, and engage with our work to help amplify our message.
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<div><strong>Thank you</strong> in advance for your generous support, for helping us share <em>The BTMR Project</em> with the world, and for being part of this important journey. Your contribution makes a world of difference.
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<div>With gratitude,
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<div>The BTMR Project Family
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<div>__________________________________
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<div>About Our Producers:
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<div><strong>Nxt Thrsdy</strong>: A Connecticut-based production company founded by Tyrone Brown, focusing on art, performance, and cultural events.
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<div><strong>Brownbox Theatre</strong>: A Seattle-based theatre company founded by Tyrone Brown, Reneschia Brown, and Kathya Alexander, dedicated to reimagining Black theatre.
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<div><strong>ajusticenetwork</strong>: A fiscally sponsored nonprofit that uses the arts to create positive social change and build connections across diverse communities worldwide.
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<div><em>Photo Credits: Justice Beitzel, Tyrone Brown, and Jordan Somers</em>
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