November 21, 2008

Black Cultural Center ensembles to perform at arts festival

The Cultural Arts Festival "What the Water Couldn't Wash Away" is a multimedia event scheduled for 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. The cultural center'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 theatre group with a focus on presenting drama about the African-American experience -- will be featured.

Admission is $7 for the general public and $5 for Purdue students and will be available at the door.

This year's Cultural Arts Festival will reflect the spirit of the city and its people, said Twana Harris, director of the production.

"Our audience can expect to be bombarded with visual images of New Orleans and experience music and dance that are synonymous with its vibrant history and tradition," Harris said. "Most importantly, we hope our audience will be impacted by the story of a people and a city that remains full of life, hope and energy. The story of Hurricane Katrina is one that begins with great tragedy but it ends with optimism, anticipation, and a commitment to finding the celebration in all things."

All four ensembles will work together to tell the story of New Orleans' African-American arts and culture community.

The production will explore both the individual and community stories gathered during the research tour, said William Caise, the cultural center's assistant director.

"We were very fortunate to be able to meet and spend time with folk who went through the actual Katrina event," Caise said. "What this means for the audience is that they will be hearing stories that have not been told and in some instances repeated verbatim."

The festival is part of the Black Cultural Center's semester-long examination of the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the retention of African-American culture and art. The goal of the festival is to share oral histories and personal narratives as well as celebrate the spirit of the community and people who have experienced what many have a hard time imagining, Caise said.

Established in 1969, the Black Cultural Center is nationally recognized and acknowledged by the Association of Black Cultural Centers as one of the best centers of its kind. The center helps the community gain a greater understanding of African-American heritage and supports and enhances cultural diversity on campus and the community.

Writer: Clyde Hughes, (765) 494-2073, jchughes@purdue.edu

Source: Renee A. Thomas, (765) 494-5346, rathomas@purdue.edu

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

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