March 18, 2005

Purdue Black Voices of Inspiration presents modern gospel musical

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue Black Voices of Inspiration choir will perform "Job's Story," an original gospel musical, at 3 p.m. April 3 in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse.

"Job's Story" is a modern-day musical adaptation from the Old Testament biblical story of Job. The story of Job is about a blameless, upright, patient man who loses everything he loves. Twana A. Harris, BCC artist-in-residence, wrote and composed the musical score and also serves as musical/artistic director for the production.

"The biblical account of Job has always intrigued me, and I thought it would be interesting to create a character that underwent Job-like catastrophes and faith crises in a very real, very modern setting," Harris said. "I think that everyone can find pieces of themselves in each of the characters and will come away from the show having been challenged, uplifted and encouraged. It is a show about love, loss, forgiveness and faith."

Some of her song titles are "I'm Runnin' This," sung by the character Satan, and "The Plan," sung by the character God.

"The audience can expect the unexpected," Harris said. "We have love triangles, seduction, plotting, tragedy and reconciliation, enough to keep people talking long after the show is over."

Established in 1975, the Black Voices of Inspiration is committed to the performance of the music of African-Americans. Its repertoire consists of traditional Negro spirituals, contemporary gospel music and popular songs of inspiration. The choir is one of four performing arts ensembles associated with the Black Cultural Center.

"Traditionally, Black Voices of Inspiration presents a repertoire of various musical selections for the spring concert," said BCC director Renee Thomas. "This year, BVOI innovatively stepped out of the box by undertaking the ambitious project of a full-scale musical. The musical will be sure to get you up and going, while at the same time, it will inspire you to think."

Harris is responsible for conducting weekly master choral classes at the BCC and preparing the ensemble for performance engagements. She assists participants in gaining an understanding and appreciation for the African-American experience through music.

Tickets, which are $5 for Purdue students and $7 for the public, are available at the Loeb Box Office, (765) 494-3933.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Sources: Renee Thomas, BCC director (765) 494-3092, rathomas@purdue.edu

Twana Harris, TwinkSong@aol.com

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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