ILE IFE
All About IFE-
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, IFE (Gail F. Young) first received dramatic training at Karamu House Theater where she studied acting and vocal projection with outstanding instructors, including Bill Cobbs, renown film and stage personality. She was inspired to song by her family, her mother being her first vocal coach. Years later, she studied jazz vocals for a short period with Jerri Brown, an international Jazz stylist. She has sung jazz in New York city, at St. Nick's Pub, Club 22 West, Arturo's and The Gishen Cafe'.
As an actress, IFE brings her characters to life, mesmerizing audiences of all ages with her unique performance style. As a storyteller, she adds a 'touch of drama', evoking from the viewer a myriad of emotions. Many of her stories encourage audience participation and seldom does she present work that is not her own unique creation.
A self-taught writer for many years, IFE eventually pursued formal education, earning a B.A. in Dramatic Arts at Cleveland State University where she concentrated on creative writing. She also studied play writing with Frank Silveras Playwright's Workshop in Harlem. Her theatrical works have appeared in many Cleveland theaters and at The Harlem Theater Company, Sisters Uptown Bookstore and the Billy Holiday Theater Skylight, all in New York.
IFE is a published writer, creative poetry, plays, screenplays, stories and songs. She won several creative writing awards and is a great advocate of literacy. She performs three character enactments targeted to urban city youths stressing the importance of reading. She also performs African-American historical characters, Maggie Lena Walker, Harriet Tubman and Ida B. Wells. She is currently head writer for Nile River Theatrical Productions, a Cleveland based performing arts company with a mission to entertain, empower, spiritually enlighten and educate through drama and storytelling.
Ife's latest literary works "I Journey Through A Zigzagged Forest In A Dark Faced Girl" a collection of four short-stories, and "Dusk", a book of monologues are available for purchase.
STORYTELLING REPERTOIRE
A wonderful concert of stories pulled from past and present that build character, empower an spiritually enlighten. Perfect for the entire family. Audience participatory, music & songs.
FAMILY STORY HOUR - Educational stories& songs meant to empower and promote literacy, self esteem and to build character.
STORYBOAT TOUR - Stories for small children.
BLACK HISTORY - 365 Days a Year
IT'S KWANZAA TIME!
SPIRITUALITY
TEEN STORYTELLING
THEATER PRESENTATIONS
See Ife's wonderful performances of "I Am That Other Walker Woman," the life of Maggie Lena Walker. Maggie Lena Walker was the first woman in America to found and become president of a bank. A child of a former slave, she headed the St. Luke Negro Self Help organization for over thirty five years. Through the bank, she financed about 650 homes and held loyally over 100,000 members in several states - a great history lesson.
Also not to be missed: "Nehemiah's Gift," a powerful story of a young woman's quest to read, and "All Aboard The Drinking Gourd" Ife's personal character enactment of Harriet Tubman.
IFE
PO BOX 93442
Cleveland Ohio 44101
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