Mixed Blood Theatre will bring a free performance of “Daughters of Africa” to Alumni Hall at Gustavus Adolphus College at 7 p.m. on Thursday (Feb. 12). The play, sponsored by the Diversity Center at Gustavus, is a music-driven history of African American women.
Written for Mixed Blood Theatre by award-winning playwright Syl Jones, “Daughters of Africa” is a commemoration of determination, courage, and triumph. It features music made famous by Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, and others in a celebration of famous and unheralded African American women.
The women portrayed, range from slave ship survivors to stars of the silver screen. They include Harriet Tubman – the conductor of hundreds to freedom via the Underground Railroad, Elizabeth Freeman – whose legal struggle abolished slavery in Massachusetts, Madame C.J. Walker – America’s first Black millionaires, Lena Horne, Oprah Winfrey, and many others.
The show features Aimee Bryant, accompanied by Ron Collier, and is directed by Warren C. Bowles. “Daughters of Africa” is one of eight educational programs produced and toured nationally by Mixed Blood Theatre.
For more information contact the Diversity Center at 507/933-7449.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510