, which forbade enslaved people from learning to read, assemble in groups, grow their own food and even banned the use of the drum.But they couldn't stop the beat, the performers — powerful in spirit and technique — shouted onstage. Once the use of drums was banned, the enslaved Africans made percussive sounds with their bodies, clapping and stomping out the music coursing through them and the urgent messages that needed to be communicated.
It's a point I didn't consider while watching step shows at the historically Black university I attended for a few years in undergrad. The sounds and movements onstage at"Drumfolk" are eerily similar to some of the vocal orchestrations and dance offerings of the various fraternities and sororities I watched perform on campus. Armed with the knowledge about enslaved Africans losing the ability to use the drum makes those moments at the step shows more impactful and sharp-edged.
” inspired by African masquerade, ceremony and identity. The Soundsuits are often created in response to social happenings.The scenes documenting African American contributions to movement and music connect the dots from slavery to hip-hop and feature music and lyrics from Steven M. Allen and Paul Laurence Dunbar, and a cast member who acts as an exquisite human beatbox.
asheaarts StepAfrikaHQ ArtsEmerson Thanks very much for sharing!
Dart_Adams StepAfrikaHQ ArtsEmerson Thanks for sharing!