November 8, 2007

Black Cultural Center presents arts festival focusing on the blues

Dancing at the Crossroads (wit' a black cat bone) will be performed at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. Admission is $7 for the general public and $5 for students.

"This semester, our topic to study is the blues," said Twana Harris, show director and Black Cultural Center artist in residence.  "I feel that it is important to discuss the historical development of the art form, where it came from, who it involved and how it evolved. It is also important to share that this art form served as a means of creative release for hardworking people who were trying to live through economic depression and social injustice. The blues give us a perfect example of how music serves as cultural commentary."

The performance features the BCC's four performing arts ensembles: the Black Voices of Inspiration, a choir that specializes in gospel music, spirituals and contemporary songs by African-American composers; Haraka Writers, a group of student poets, essayists and short-story writers; Jahari Dance Troupe, which performs a repertoire including African, ballet, folk, jazz, tap and modern dance; and the New Directional Players, a theater group with a focus on presenting drama about the African-American experience.

"The work that the audience will witness was created over the course of the semester as well as during our research tour to Memphis, Tenn., and Clarksdale, Miss.," said Bill Caise, assistant director of the Black Cultural Center. "This semester we immersed ourselves in all things blues and allowed our imaginations to dance with the myth, music and history that the Memphis tour exposed. Our ultimate goal was to create an experience that will carry the excitement of the blues and to impart some of the history that this music carries. We also want to show the significant place blues music holds in American history."

All four ensembles will work together to tell the story of the blues, Caise said.

The New Directional Players, guided by artist-in-residence McKenya Dilworth, are studying the life of Ma Rainey and will explore her experiences as a recording artist.

The Jahari Dance Troupe will examine the role dance played in the blues and will be introducing a new piece set to Koko Taylor's "Whang Dang Doodle." Kevin Iega Jeff is the artist in residence for the group.

The Haraka Writers will share through their poetry, the history and personal stories of the people who create the music. Caise is the artist in residence for the group.

The Black Voices of Inspiration will explore the sacred and secular sides of the music. Harris is the group's artist-in-residence.

“People can expect an interactive show that will share history, legend, wonderful music, fabulous dance and dramatic interpretations that will make you laugh and cry, poetry that will make your wheels turn, and much, much more," Harris said.  "Our audience will be entertained and educated."

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

Source: Bill Caise, (765) 494-4630, wpcaise@purdue.edu

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

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