Purdue News

October 24, 2002 Black Cultural Center sponsors artistic performances and films WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Black Cultural Center's New Directional Players drama troupe at Purdue University will perform the BCC Coffee House Production, "Soul Gone Home," on Thursday, Oct. 31. The performance, directed by BCC artist-in-residence Bill Caise, will take place at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall. "Soul Gone Home" offers a night of theater featuring the works of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, two of the Harlem Renaissance's most prolific and celebrated writers. The plays being presented include "Limitations of Life" by Hughes, "Woofing" by Hurston and "Soul Gone Home" by Hughes. Renee Thomas, Black Cultural Center director, says "Soul Gone Home" will leave a lasting impact upon the audience. "This production highlights two of the Harlem Renaissance's premiere artists and activists," Thomas says. "Both Hughes and Hurston are known for their social commentary, and in these pieces we get to see them use their skills as humorists and satirists to tackle relevant issues. For those who know of their work, it is an opportunity to revisit; for those new, it is an opportunity to get acquainted with two artists who helped shape the movement that led to today's black theater." Tickets for the performance are $3 for students and $5 for the general public and will be available at the door. The BCC also will sponsor a free viewing of the film, "Against All Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance" at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at the Black Cultural Center. The film explores how Harlem was a focal point of artistic creativity for African-American artists in the 1920s and 30s. It also shows how the artists transcended prejudice. A facilitated discussion will follow the film. The film viewing and Coffee House Production are two of several fall semester BCC programs that highlight the creative and intellectual energy of the Harlem Renaissance. CONTACT: Renee Thomas, (765) 494-3091, rathomas@purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page