HOWARD UNIVERSITY'S DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ARTS PRESENTS A LIBERATING PRAYER: A LOVE SONG FOR MUMIA ~A New Play~
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University's Department of Theatre Arts proudly presents Sybil J. Roberts' A LIBERATING PRAYER: A LOVE SONG FOR MUMIA directed by Denise D. Saunders. A LIBERATING PRAYER: A LOVE SONG FOR MUMIA will be performed in the Environmental Theatre Space January 31 - February 2, 5-9, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. and February 2 and 9, 2002 at 2:30 p.m.
A LIBERATING PRAYER: A LOVE SONG FOR MUMIA is an unlikely love story that tells of the fateful meeting of a freedom fighter and a merchant who undertake a spiritual journey to find the wisdom and courage to fight to win the freedom of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. On the morning Sage decides to attend a rally to "Free Mumia," she is joined by a chorus of "ancestors" who whisper, sing and praise-speak her history while accompanying and encouraging her to fight. They know she will meet her "soul-mate" who will build a "revolutionary" life with her. Odysseus, an avowed political young man, catches sight of her and for reasons unbeknownst to him, is drawn to her presence. Together they will heal each other of past wounds and commit themselves to the present struggle to save the life of activist and journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal. A LIBERATING PRAYER: A LOVE SONG FOR MUMIA is a multi-media performance work that makes use of a cappella music, slides, and video footage.
The Department of Theatre Arts commissioned A LIBERATING PRAYER: A LOVE SONG FOR MUMIA from Howard University Theatre Professor Sybil J. Roberts and it will be presented for the first time on the Howard stage. Sybil Roberts is a playwright, poet and dramaturg whose work has been produced in the Washington, D.C. area, Chicago, IL, Philadelphia, PA, and Grahamstown, South Africa. Her play, DREAM OF OPHELIA, was nominated for a 1999 Jeff Award for Best New Play in Chicago. In the summer of 2000, Ms. Roberts spent some months in Tanzania studying theatre-for-development, and, thus turned her attention to a more "activist mode" of playwrighting to begin to address specific political and social issues, as well as bringing attention to "marginalized" voices in our global community. A LIBERATING PRAYER: A LOVE SONG FOR MUMIA is the first step in that direction.
A LIBERATING PRAYER: A LOVE SONG FOR MUMIA is directed by Professor Denise D. Saunders. Ms. Saunders is an arts administrator, performer, and the coordinator of the Theatre Arts Administration Program as well as production manager for the Ira Aldridge Theater. MOVE activists RAMONA AFRICA, PAM AFRICA, and SABRINA GREEN as well as the SEEDS OF WISDOM will make special guest appearances throughout its two-week run. In addition, the January 31 performance will include a Question and Answer Session following the show with RAMONA AFRICA and other guests.
Tickets are $12.50 general admission and $7.50 for student/seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the Ira Aldridge Theater Box Office or by calling (202) 806-7700. Additional information about A LIBERATING PRAYER: A LOVE SONG FOR MUMIA may be obtained by calling (202) 806-7050.
GROUPS: Group Discounts are available, contact Charles A. Coward at (202) 806-5462.
ACCESSIBILITY: Accessible seating available by reservation.
LOCATION: 2455 6th Street, NW (inside the Fine Arts Building, located next door to Cramton Auditorium on Howard University's campus).
WEBSITE: www.howard.edu/CollegeFineArts/Theatre
E-MAIL: ddsaunders@howard.edu
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