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PORGY AND BESS, Ronald K Brown and More Set for The Ordway's 'African Diaspora in Harmony Initiative'
By: BWW News Desk Jan. 30, 2014
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced today the launch of "Taking Our Place Centerstage: The African Diaspora in Harmony." This special initiative offers enhanced programming that includes master classes and workshops, an art exhibition, social gatherings and cultural conversations to celebrate the rich artistic traditions of communities of African and African American ancestry. The surrounding events are designed to enrich the Ordway's 2013-2014 season of world-class performances by Rennie Harris Puremovement, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Maria de Barros, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, and Step Afrika!.
Also, in partnership with Youthprise and as part of their Black History Month Celebration 2014, the Ordway will host a reception before Maria de Barros' Feb. 19 peformance honoring Naomi Tutu, an international speaker on race and gender justice and daughter of Desmond Tutu. Naomi Tutu will also give a special introduction for Maria de Barros.
As part of the programming, Ronald K. Brown, award-winning choreographer of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, will visit Saint Paul on Feb. 25 for a community reception at the Ordway and education programs at community schools.
The African Diaspora in Harmony program was planned by the Taking Our Place Centerstage (TOPC) Vision Council, whose members examined the opportunities surrounding each artistic performance. The Vision Council connected with community leaders, business leaders and media partners to curate this series of arts-based learning and engagement programs from January-June 2014 to increase cross-cultural understanding and promote the awareness of the vibrant Afro-centric cultural heritage in the Twin Cities.
"The African Diaspora in Harmony, managed by dancer and choreographer Leah Nelson, offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the work of African artists from around the world and the Twin Cities and to extend the art beyond the stage," said Robin Hickman, program director for TOPC and CEO of SoulTouch Productions. "The Ordway is walking with the community in presenting these experiences and performances. We are working together to create an exciting array of events that can open up minds and hearts."
The Ordway's TOPC program began in October 2010 in partnership with communities of African and African American ancestry. The initiative, led by Program Director Robin P. Hickman and Program Manager Leah Nelson, is committed to artistic, educational and economic engagement. TOPC Vision Council members are Mahmoud El Kati, Titilayo Bediako, Andrea Jenkins, Tom Gitaa, Nneka Onyilofor, Hawona Sullivan Janzen, Shegitu Kebede, Maria Isa Perez, Marcus Pope and Sherine Crooms Onukwuwe.
"We have such a creative and energetic team behind this program," said Patricia Mitchell, president and CEO of the Ordway. "Throughout this season, we are all on a journey that inspires, uplifts, and entertains - a journey made possible through artistic and education programming designed and executed in partnership with community leaders and artists."
The African Diaspora refers to the communities throughout the world that are descended from the historic movement of peoples from Africa, predominantly to the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, among other areas around the globe.
A complete listing of Taking Our Place Centerstage: The African Diaspora in Harmony programs and events follows.
ABOUT THE ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Music Theater and soon-to-be completed Concert Hall attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances. ordway.org
AFRICAN DIASPORA IN HARMONY
Program and Events
RENNIE HARRIS PUREMOVEMENT
Wednesday, February 5 | 6pm-7:30pm - Ordway
Free Knowledge Sessions in B-boying and Funk Dances
Celebrate the legacy of b-boying and funk dances in Minnesota with leading practitioners in the community including Roosevelt Mansfield (aka DJ Digie) of Uprock with teachers Aneka Starlashay McMullen, Chevell Taylor (aka Trusoul), Madeline Howie (aka Madfresh), Dovan Kingsley (aka B-boy Drift).
Free and open to all ages. Pre-registration required.
Thursday, February 6 | 6:30pm-8pm - Ordway
Master Class with Rennie Harris Puremovement
Experienced dancers can join Rennie Harris Puremovement dancers in a hip-hop explosion master class featuring social dances of the 80s, 90s and today. The studio is being made available free to dancers before and after (5:30pm-6:30pm & 8pm-9pm) so they can practice/session on their own. DJ Roosevelt Mansfield (aka DJ Digie).
$10 Pre-registration is required.
Friday, February 7 | 6:30pm - Ordway
Ordway Extra: Hip-hop Philosophy: A Way of Life
A conversation with multiple viewpoints from dancers, choreographers, teachers, artistic directors, and activists on how hip-hop culture plays a part in these artists lives:
Herbert Johnson, Karla Nweje, Aneka McMullen, Jason Noer (aka B-Boy J-Sun),
Kevin Moore (aka KAOZ) and Roosevelt Mansfield (aka DJ Digie).
Friday, February 7 | 7:30pm - Ordway
Performance: Rennie Harris Puremovment
Bold, original hip-hop dance that extends beyond boundaries
ART OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA
Friday, February 7 - Wednesday, February 19 | Ordway
Art Exhibition Opening Night: Art of the African Diaspora
Four Twin Cities-based visual artists share their perspectives through work that explores the themes of sound, movement and memory, inspired by the Ordway performances in February. A portrait of Nelson Mandela by Lorenzo Crockett, originally created for TOPC, will remain in the Ordway lobby through Black History Month as part of the fine arts exhibit.
Visual Artists: Catherine Kennedy, Memory Artist;
Jaques Elate Joss (Sakara Djeki), Movement Artist; Douglas Ewart, Sound Artist;
Shirley Jones,Youth Artist; Curators: Roderic "hernub" Southall and Hawona Sullivan Janzen
Sunday, February 9 | 6:30pm - Ordway
Ordway Extra: Voice of a Nation: South African Musical Traditions
Dr. Leon Rodrigues, Bethel University, will share his experiences with Apartheid including particular songs that influenced revolutionary action. Professor Sowah Mensah, Macalester College, will share his knowledge of African music and lead a chorus of "Nkosi Sikelele Africa."
Sunday, February 9 | 7:30pm - Ordway
Performance: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Intricate rhythms and harmonies of South African traditions, and gospel music, four-time Grammy Award winner.
MARIA DE BARROS
Wednesday, February 19 | 5:30-6:30pm - Ordway
African Influences in Caribbean Cultural Dance and Drum
Experience a dance class that partners dancer/instructor Aiyana Machado in West African djembe dances and bomba with percussionist/vocalist Maria Isa Perez.
$10 Pre-registration is required.
Wednesday, February 19 | 6:30pm - Ordway
Ordway Extra: Passing It On: Oral Traditions and Family Ties
Vocalists Elsa Vega Perez and Maria Isa Perez will share their own artistic journeys and the importance of the relationship between elder and youth to carry forward cultural traditions.
Wednesday, February 19 | 7:30pm - Ordway
Performance with dance floor: Maria de Barros
Lively and vivacious interpretation of Cabo Verdean music with opening band Havana Hi-Fi and a special introduction by Naomi Tutu, in partnership with Youthprise.
Tuesday, February 25 | 7pm - Ordway
Ronald K. Brown Visit
Afternoon visit to Seed Academy & Harvest Prep to work with students and faculty.
Evening reception at the Ordway, open to community
THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS
Tuesday, Mar. 25- Sunday, Mar. 30 | Various times - Ordway
Performance: The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess
Stunning new staging of the Gershwin masterpiece, 2012 Tony Award winner for Best Revival of a Musical
Thursday, March 27 | 6:30pm - Ordway
Ordway Extra: Our Place Centerstage: The Contribution of African Americans on Broadway
A conversation led by Twin Cities' professional theater artist Austene Van and featuring performances by Tonia Hughes and Cameron Wright.
STEP AFRIKA!
Saturday, May 31, 11am & 2pm; Sunday, June 1, 11:15am - Ordway
Performance: Step Afrika! (Part of Flint Hills International Children's Festival)
Explosive and highly visual rhythmic performances of body percussion
Ticket Office: 651.224.4222 | Groups: 651.282.3111 | online: ordway.org.
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