“BROWNSVILLE BRED…Growing Up Elaine” – A New York Latina’s Memoir and Coming of Age Story set in the 1980’s Brownsville Brooklyn Projects

Elaine Del Valle proudly announces the production of her multiple festival and award winning one-woman show, “BROWNSVILLE BRED” playing at The NUYORICAN POETS CAFÉ (236 East 3rd Street) in New York City Mondays in November (November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30) @ 7:30 pm.

The autobiographical show takes the audience through an “emotional rollercoaster” that is uplifting, heartbreaking and powerful as they witness Del Valle recreate life in the tough projects of 1980’s Brownsville, Brooklyn NY. Amongst eight other characters, Del Valle narrates as herself from ages 11 to 17.  Del Valle’s loving father, another empathetic character, leaves the family of five as he falls from stature as a talented musician to a defeated heroine addict.  Not unlike most impoverished families, Elaine’s mother emerges as the loveable spirit that holds the family together and guides them to a hopeful future.  Crime, Drugs and Poverty mix with the Joys of Family, Hope, Salsa and the Birth of Rap, as Del Valle’s innocence recounts a journey to womanhood, a neighborhoods crack & crime epidemic, Salsa rumbas, and her love of Run DMC, which often times help her verbalize a unique struggle and triumph that has audiences cheering and laughing through their tears while swaying to urban rhythms.

“We’re very excited that Elaine Del Valle’s BROWNSVILLE BRED will be staged at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in November.  This award-winning play echoes the Nuyorican’s ongoing mission to champion ground-breaking and ambitious new work by artists from a wide spectrum of disciplines and backgrounds.  Elaine brings to the Cafe a vibrant mix of talent and experience that will enhance our November programming schedule,” says Daniel Gallant Executive Director at the Café.

Brownsville Bred (directed by Paul J. Michael) recently won the 2009 Teatro La Tea’s One Festival in New York City, playing to sell-out crowds.  Preceding her latest win, Del Valle (as directed by Heather Girardi) debuted BROWNSVILLE BRED which swept awards at The Network’s ONE-ACT Festival, including for BEST ACTRESS, BEST SHOW, BEST SCRIPT, and BEST DIRECTION

“She puts you right there,” says legendary director and founder of THE AMERICAN PLACE THEATER, Wynn Handman.  Mr. Handman, who nurtured the development of BROWNSVILLE BRED in his acting studios, also had a hand in other notable one person shows, including Lemon Anderson’s COUNTY OF KINGS and John Leguizamo’s MAMBO MOUTH.

“Elaine Del Valle is a Tour De Force, singing, dancing, rapping and living her way into the hearts of audiences from all walks of life.”

Also in November, Del Valle’s production company is set to premiere its first short film, JACK & JILL, at NY’s TRIBECA CINEMAS as part of the Big Apple Film Festival.

“BROWSVILLE BRED” plays the NUYORICAN POETS CAFE (235 East 3rd Street, NYC) Every Monday in November beginning November 2nd, and ending November 30th 2009. General Admission Tickets are $15 and are available at the theatre box office or online at www.NUYORICAN.org  Discount Tickets are $10 and available to Entertainment Professionals, Students, Seniors, and with Flyers or Promotional Codes.  Run time is 70 minutes (with one ten-minute intermission).
To learn more about “BROWNSVILLE BRED” visit www.BrownsvilleBred.com

Press Contact: (516) 729-8200  elaineinc@aol.com

Leave a Reply