The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Presents SPIRIT OF UGANDA, 3/18

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the critically acclaimed Spirit of Uganda on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. at the Byham Theater. This performance is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series. Spirit of Uganda, produced by Empowering African Children, presents riveting programs of music and dance for audiences of all ages. To the melodic tones of standing drums, with dramatic choreography, bright, layered rhythms, and gorgeous call-and-response vocals, a vivacious cast of performers, aged 8-18, bring to life the sounds and movements of East Africa.

Impassioned ambassadors for Uganda's 2.4 million orphans, the young performers of Spirit of Uganda exhibit the resilience and promise of Africa's next generation, as they promote awareness of Uganda's dual crises of AIDS and civil war, and raise funds to support themselves and others displaced in their homeland. At home and abroad, these artists of the highest caliber are joyous, thriving examples of what is possible when potential is realized. "The artists are not just entertaining audiences, they are reaching out from an unbearable place of loss, drawing from their inner reserves the multifaceted rhythms that bear at the heart of Ugandan culture." – Chicago Tribune.

Spirit of Uganda is a professional training and touring program produced by Empower African Children, a non-profit organization inspired by success stories from more than 15 years of work with Africa's vulnerable children. Launched in 2006 by child advocate Alexis Hefley, whose work with Ugandan children has earned her international acclaim, Empower African Children's programs provide a fresh new approach that unlocks the potential of this generation through an innovative education. Its holistic approach to education provides tools for success in life, creating confident, skillful, visionary leaders.

Tickets ($25-$35) may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue), online at www.trustarts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930.