‘Rise’ is an Inspired Story of Love and Legacy

October 19, 2023October 23, 2023 Elijah Isaiah Johnson

Theater is a wide and wonderful world; a place of imagination, depth, and hundreds, if not thousands, of years of historical relevancy. It’s given us the gift of Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, August Wilson’s Fences, and Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, among so many other classics that have affected not just audience sensibilities but have helped frame and define stage storytelling and become mainstays of conventional cinema a well.

Interview, Theatre1 Comment

God Built Us Different: A Conversation with the Women of ‘Rise’

October 13, 2023October 16, 2023 Elijah Isaiah Johnson

Pulled away from the Company of Angels Theater at Hazard Recreation Park as the lights were dimmed and the locks were shut after a lively post-production reception, and into the dark of the studio parking lot, I had the opportunity to discuss the makings of COA’s newest community play — Rise by Kimba Henderson — with the cast and creators themselves.

Movies, Sports, Streaming

‘Rise’ Tells the True Story of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Journey to the NBA

May 10, 2022May 10, 2022 Michael Lee

As the Milwaukee Bucks continue their journey to another NBA Finals, Disney+ has released the first trailer for Rise. Based on the true story of the NBA champion and MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, the film tells the tale of an immigrant family facing deportation and how their children sharpened their basketball talents to be drafted in the NBA to become world class athletes.