Today, on Juneteenth, we celebrate the life and works of a great poet, playwright, champion of Black consciousness and resistance. Robert Earl Price worked with 7 Stages since the 1980’s alongside founders Del Hamilton and Faye Allen. His plays, like HUSH: Composing Blind Tom Wiggins and All Blues graced our stages with beautiful and challenging art. 

In 2020, 7 Stages produced a film inspired by Robert’s book Blood Flow, which was devised and directed by Ashley James, and edited by Robby Miles. Featuring community members Yeye Olori Loriyomi (Mama Yeye), Dorothy Victoria Bell & Family, Jaden Gustin & Family, Chantiane Smith & Family, Abigail Richards & Family, Destiny Renee, Tyra Watkins, Parris Sarter, Efrem Whitaker, Darrell Grant, Danny Simmons, Kat Newton, Charles Swint, and Dr. L. Nyrobi Moss. Selected poems and original music composed and performed by Dorothy Victoria Bell, Eugene H. Russell IV, and Robert Earl Price.

“Our goal is to create a multimedia artwork that reflects the continuous role of art as a force of resistance to crimes against humanity past, present and future. We offer, in the times of pandemic, a racial strife and economic exploitation and oppression. A war dance, a battle cry, a chant that challenges times in all tenses. And inspiring vision of our world that we cannot turn away from.” – Robert Earl Price on the production of the 2020 Film Blood Flow

In celebration of Juneteenth and Robert Earl Price’s life, the film Blood Flow is available to view all Summer.

In Robert’s memory, the people he knew and worked with have kind words:

“Before I’d met Mr. Price, I’d heard his name in my living room as a teenager as I explained the newest venture I was about to embark on with 7 Stages with my parents. ‘Robert Earl Price is a legend!’ they exclaimed and the more I thought about it the more I realized that he’d been a topic of discussion in that same living room for years. As an impressionable young black actor, I was in awe being in his presence during our first meeting, to only be greeted with such a kind, bold, and caring soul. I will always cherish the few moments we shared.” – Kai Anwuzia, 7 Stages Programs Manager

“It is possible Robert is among the writers of his generation that holds hands with persons of great spirit, and that his healing words are significant poems for our times.  Surely his various readings and public performances, especially in the American South, are part of the healing processes being employed by others who share his poetic visions.” – Del Hamilton, 7 Stages Founder

“I remember sitting with Robert and Del for hours in the evening while on tour for HUSH. We would drink a night cap of whisky while they told story after story after story. I listened with my full heart. Maybe intentionally, or not, together with Del, Robert was teaching me how to live …to dream …to create …to see the world of possibility through the power of art, despite the dark times. His lessons will continue to fuel my courage to tell the hard stories with love, rhythm, and beauty. Thank you Robert. Rest in power my dear friend and mentor. “ – Heidi S Howard, 7 Stages Artistic Director

Rest in Power 

Beloved poet & friend

Robert Earl Price  

4/4/42 – 4/16/25

Obituary – Robert Earl Price – Kent County News

Remembrance: Poet and playwright Robert Earl Price blended words, music, memory – ArtsATL

Archive of Robert Earl Price’s Productions at 7 Stages – GSU

Black Cat Bones for Seven Sons, 1988

Canes Theme, 1988 

Yarbird’s Vamp, 1990 

Blue Monk, 1996 

HUSH: Composing Blind Tom Wiggins, 2002 

HUSH: Composing Tom Wiggins, 2003- 2004 tour

Come on in My Kitchen, 2006 

All Blues, 2011 

Blood Flow – a film as part of Home Brew at Home 2020 

Our beloved co-founders Del Hamilton and Faye Allen sit down with Best of Atlanta Concerts during the production of Waiting for Godot (2018) to discuss the founding of 7 Stages, the mission, the vision, and the history of 7 Stages.