Purdue News

October 16, 1998 BCC Coffee House to offer dance and drama WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Black Cultural Center's 1998 Coffee House at 8 p.m. Friday (10/23) at Purdue University has a theme of "A New Birth." The stuent dancers and actors who will perform chose that theme because construction is under way on a new $3.1 million BCC building at Third and Russell streets. Two of the four BCC ensembles -- the Jahari Dance Troupe and the New Directional Players -- will perform during the Coffee House in Fowler Hall. Admission is $3 for students and $5 for the public. The Purdue Student Union Board is co-sponsor of the event. The Coffee House is part of the BCC's Cultural Arts Series. "The theme 'A New Birth' is a reflection of the dreams we have for the new space we are preparing to move into next fall," said Howard Lucas, BCC assistant director and artist in residence for the Jahari Dance Troupe. "We wanted a theme that showed an awakening of the Black Cultural Center's commitment to the cultural and artistic development of its student participants." The Jahari Dance Troupe will perform various numbers including a theatrical dance piece choreographed to the movie soundtrack of "Batman." The New Directional Players will feature skits from the award-winning play "The Colored Museum" by author and director George Wolfe, and other monologues about the African-American experience. The Jahari Dance Troupe, named after the Swahili word meaning "jewels," is a student company trained in a variety of techniques, from traditional to contemporary trends in black dance. Its repertoire includes African, ballet, jazz, folk, Caribbean, modern and tap dance movements. Since 1975, through co-sponsorship of Purdue University Convocations and Lectures, the troupe has received instruction from dancers and choreographers of international recognition. The New Directional Players is a drama group devoted to presenting thought-provoking subject matter related to the black experience. Since its inception in 1971, the players have performed pieces written by the masters of black theater along with original productions by young black playwrights. Each production is designed to generate self approval, self-esteem and social awareness in the black as well as the global communities. CONTACT: Lucas, (765) 494-3095; e-mail: hslucas@hfs.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page