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Shakespeare in Detroit presents “As You Like It” at the DIA, an homage production to the contributions of black artists to the silent film era – Encore Michigan

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Shakespeare in Detroit presents “As You Like It” at the DIA, an homage production to the contributions of black artists to the silent film era – Encore Michigan


Shakespeare in Detroit, announces its production of As You Like It by William Shakespeare, a fast-paced, Victorian Era adaptation devised by SiD Founding Artistic and Executive Director, Sam White, and staged at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).

In celebration of the DIA’s special exhibition Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971, this unique production pays homage to the often-overlooked contribution of Black artists to the silent film era in films such as “Something Good-—A Negro Kiss.”  

Shakespeare in Detroit actors and director Lynch Travis bring the story of Rosalind and Orlando, one of Shakespeare’s most popular couples, to life on the DIA’s Danto Lecture Hall stage, accompanied by projection and footage from the era.The production was curated by White for young audiences and school matinees, with a 90-minute edit of William Shakespeare’s comedy, featuring one of his most beloved quotes: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” 

“We wanted to honor the legacy of early black filmmakers who paved the way for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry,” says Sam White. “By setting ‘As You Like It’ in the Victorian era and drawing parallels to pioneering silent films like ‘Something Good,’ we hope to spark conversations about representation and celebrate the richness of our cultural heritage.”

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The cast includes Odysseus Bailer, Henry Ballesteros, Princess Beyoncé Jones, Dennis Kleinsmith, Shaunie Lewis, Asia Mark, Cassius Merriweather, Drew Parker, and Antonio Vettraino. The production and design team includes  Lynch Travis (Director), Emily Pierce (Stage Manager), Val Compau (Lighting/Projections/Sound Designer), Toni Davison (Costume Designer), Diane Hill (Artistic Producer), Sam White (Dramaturg), Foster Johns (Vocal Coach), Steve Xander Carson (Fight Choreography), and Christine Pellecchia (Managing Director).

“It is important that we offer young people accessible means to learn about history and literature and I am looking forward to helping the actors and designers create a fun experience for our audience members,” says director, Lynch Travis. “By infusing Shakespeare’s classic comedy with the aesthetics of the Victorian era and paying tribute to early black silent films, we hope to offer a fresh perspective on a timeless tale.”

Shakespeare in Detroit will present ten student matinees of “As You Like It” with the goal of impacting at least 3,000 students and will present two public performances at no cost to the public. All performances will take place on the newly renovated stage in the Danto Lecture Hall, located inside the Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit). Public performances are on Friday, May 17 and Friday, May 24 at 7pm.

Public performances are free with registration, for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties: dia.org/events/shakespeare-detroit-you-it  Registration is highly recommended as capacity is limited. Seating begins 30 minutes before each performance. Sponsored by Shakespeare in American Communities and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Shakespeare in Detroit is celebrating more than a decade of excellence and innovation since its pioneering performance of “Othello” at Grand Circus Park in 2013. Since then, the nonprofit’s work has been experienced by more than 25,000 residents and visitors to Detroit. The organization has three programs that include: special events, mainstage programming and its youth educational program, Shakespeare STEAM. 

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The Detroit Institute of the Arts: The Danto Lecture Hall
5200 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48202

TICKETS:
dia.org/events/shakespeare-detroit-you-it
Free with registration for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Photo by Chuk Nowak Photography



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Detroit, MI

The first Detroit Lions OC candidate has emerged

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The first Detroit Lions OC candidate has emerged


Blough is only two years into his coaching career after retiring from playing after the 2023 season. He has spent the last two seasons as the Washington Commanders’ assistant quarterbacks coach, helping young quarterback Jayden Daniels emerge as a strong franchise player for Washington. Late in the 2025 season, Commanders quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard took the Stanford head coaching job, leaving Blough to serve as the interim quarterbacks coach for the rest of the season.

While backing up Jared Goff in Detroit, Blough was often described by the coaching staff as an excellent backup and strong offensive mind.

“I love the kid, if I’m being totally honest with you,” Campbell said back in 2021. “He’s just a little football player. And when I say that, I mean that in the highest regard. Look, he’s smart. He’s extremely smart. He knows where to go with the football, I love his timing. He knows how to command the huddle, he communicates well and on top of that, he’s a hell of a dude, by the way. He just is. So, he has not disappointed. He’s doing a good job. He’s out there competing with the rest of those guys.”

As of now, this is the only known candidate for the Lions’ offensive coordinator position, but it’s still early in the process. When more candidates emerge, we’ll have a tracker so you can see all of the names in one place.

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Detroit, MI

Popular Detroit sports columnist announces stage 4 cancer diagnosis

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Popular Detroit sports columnist announces stage 4 cancer diagnosis


Longtime Detroit sports radio host and columnist Pat Caputo has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he announced Monday.

Caputo, a host on Detroit’s 97.1 The Ticket, last published a column on Nov. 7. On Monday, he explained the reason behind his absence.

“For those wondering where I’ve been: I have been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, commonly referred to as a “death sentence” and had two other serious ailments which put me in ICU for several days,” Caputo wrote in a post to X. “It was sudden. I’ve literally been on my back for weeks. Bless you all.”

Caputo, 66, became a well-known personality in Detroit sports media during his time as an award-winning columnist for The Oakland Press from 1983-2020, according to the Detroit Free Press. He also was previously part of WXYT’s “Evening Sports” broadcast, and is an official voter for the Baseball Hall of Fame and college football’s Heisman Trophy award, according to his X bio.

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Caputo is nicknamed “The Book” for his impressive memory retaining sports stats and information, according to FOX 2 in Detroit, where he has been a regular guest on its “Sports Works” broadcast.

Caputo’s social media announcement regarding his health drew support from fellow sports media professionals, including Brad Galli, sports director at WXYZ Detroit, and ESPN’s Dan Wetzel and Dave Pasch.

“Pat, we’re praying for [you],” Galli wrote. “Awful awful awful to read this, man. God bless you.”

“Legend. Stay strong my friend. So much support out here for you,” Wetzel posted.

“Book, praying for you my friend. So sorry to hear this,” Pasch wrote.

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Murder trial starts this week in death of Detroit neurosurgeon Devon Hoover

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Murder trial starts this week in death of Detroit neurosurgeon Devon Hoover


DETROIT (WXYZ) — Desmond Burks’ murder trial starts this week. On Monday, he attended his pre-trial hearing. Burks faces first-degree murder, felony murder and larceny charges in the death of Dr. Devon Hoover.

The prominent Detroit neurosurgeon was found dead in his attic in April 2023 after Detroit police performed a wellness check. Investigators said he had been shot twice in the head and his body was wrapped in a blood-soaked carpet.

Watch Darren Cunningham’s video report below:

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Trial set to begin in Dr. Devon Hoover murder case

At the pre-trial, Judge Paul Cusick set the tone for how he expects the trial to go. It could last several weeks, according to court administration.

“Obviously, there’s always been respect shown to this court by the defendant and attorneys in this case, and all of the witnesses need to show the respect that is going to be required. There will be no outburst from any witnesses or anyone else during the proceedings,” the judge said.

Cusick discussed scheduling for the trial, starting with jury selection Wednesday and outlined restrictions for news media.

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“Media is prohibited from showing and/or publishing the faces of any civilian witnesses not employed by the government,” he read.

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Those same restrictions were in place during the preliminary hearing.

At the prelim, a number of people testified that they were former lovers of Desmond Burks.

Those men and women described Burks as a hustler and said he would send them money from an unknown Cash App and then have them send the money back to his Cash App.

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Watch our coverage of the third day of the preliminary hearing below:

Day 3 concludes in Desmond Burks’ preliminary hearing in murder of Dr. Devon Hoover

Burks is accused of stealing more than $30,000 from Hoover via credit card and fraudulent bank transactions, and Burks allegedly used other people to execute his plan.

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Investigators said text messages revealed Burks had an intimate relationship with Hoover and was sometimes paid for sexual services.

Watch our coverage of the second day of the preliminary hearing below:

Mystery backpack focus of testimony during day 2 of Hoover preliminary hearing

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Testimony from the prelim also revealed that authorities zeroed in on Burks, in part, through cellphone records and surveillance footage involving Hoover’s stolen truck.

During the trial, we may hear from a close relative of Burks who identified him in surveillance footage during the prelim. The footage allegedly shows Burks walking away from Hoover’s stolen vehicle.

Watch our coverage of the first day of the preliminary hearing below:

Preliminary hearing begins for man charged with killing Dr. Devon Hoover

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The jury selection process is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.





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