Step Afrika! Drumfolk Playbill 10/21/22

Photo Credit: Rachel Papo

Thank You

THIS ENGAGEMENT OF STEP AFRIKA!, Drumfolk

IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF National Dance Project

Louis S. Booth Arts Fund

THANKS TO OUR 2022-2023 MODLIN ARTS PRESENTS SEASON SPONSORS & PARTNERS

E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation Cultural Affairs Committee Dewitt Fund for the Arts Louis S. Booth Arts Fund Clinton Webb Fund

You Belong Here

WELCOME

Welcome back to Modlin Center for the Arts! I am grateful for this opportunity to be together again and thrilled with the season we have put together because I know that every artist can—and will—create unforgettable moments.

Across our 2022-2023 season, you will find artists from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, with an emphasis on BIPOC and women-led companies. And you will discover a range of stories, dance, and music of many different genres—some familiar, others new. Each performance is a unique window into the human experience, which I hope will open new paths for conversation and connection.

As the season continues, I look forward to visiting with you in the lobby and hearing about your experiences at the Modlin Center. We want you to be a part of the Modlin community. The Department of Music Free Concert Series and UR Free Theatre and Dance season add 30+ additional opportunities to see compelling performances. And UR Museums host exhibitions and programs that are free and open to the public. Thank you for being with us.

Paul Brohan, Executive Director

MODLIN ARTS

EVENT CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

FRI. 9 7:30 PM David Esleck Trio

THU. 15 7:30 PM Steep Canyon Rangers

SUN. 18 3:00 PM Joanne Kong, piano, harpsichord and clavichord THU. 22 7:30 PM DeLanna Studi, And So We Walked

FRI. 23 7:30 PM Family Weekend Concert

WED. 28 7:30 PM Dreamers' Circus

THU.-FRI 29-30 7:30 PM Smart People

OCTOBER

SAT. 1 7:30 PM Smart People

SUN. 2 2:00 PM Smart People

SUN. 2 7:30 PM Dorrance Dance, SOUNDspace

THU. 6 7:30 PM Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi

FRI. 14 7:30 PM Bill Irwin, On Beckett

SUN. 16 2:00 PM 12th Annual Celebration of Dance

FRI. 21 7:30 PM Step Afrika!, Drumfolk SUN. 23 3:00 PM Sonia De Los Santos, Family Arts Day

THU. 27 7:30 PM Susanna Phillips, soprano

SUN, 30 3:00 PM UR Schola Cantorum and Women's Chorale

NOVEMBER

FRI.-SAT. 4-5 Multiple Third Practice Music Festival* CANCELED WED. 9 7:30 PM UR Jazz & Contemporary Combos

THUR. 10 7:30 PM Aaron Diehl Trio

SAT. 12 6:30 PM 8:30 PM Amal Kassir

SUN. 13 3:00 PM Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 60 thAnniversary Celebration WED. 16 7:30 PM UR Jazz Ensemble

THU.-SAT. 17-19 7:30 PM Miss You Like Hell

SUN. 20 2:00 PM Miss You Like Hell

SUN. 20 3:00 PM Global Sounds

MON. 21 7:30 PM UR Wind Ensemble

MON. 28 7:30 PM UR Chamber Ensembles

WED. 30 7:30 PM UR Symphony Orchestra

DECEMBER

SUN. 4 5:00 PM 8:00 PM 49th Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols

*Visit thirpractice.org for a full schedule of events.

JANUARY

SAT. 21 7:30 PM Kronos Quartet, At War With Ourselves

FRI. 27 7:30 PM Mark Morris Dance Group, The Look of Love

FEBRUARY

WED. 1 7:30 PM Richard Becker, piano

FRI. 3 7:30 PM Fred Hersch and esperanza spalding

SUN. 5 3:00 PM Anthony McGill, clarinet, and Gloria Chien, piano

FRI. 10 7:30 PM Rosanne Cash

WED. 15 7:30 PM Joshua Redman, 3x3

SUN. 19 3:00 PM Third Coast Percussion and Flutronix

WED. 22 7:30 PM Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

THU.-SAT. 24-26 7:30 PM University Dancers 38th Annual Concert

SUN. 26 3:00 PM Kayhan Kalhor, kamancheh

MARCH

WED. 1 7:30 PM Ashwini Ramaswamy, Let the Crows Come

SUN. 19 3:00 PM Doris Wylee-Becker, piano

MON. 20 7:30 PM Neumann Lecture on Music, Dr. Sherry D. Lee, Professor of Musicology

MON. 27 7:30 PM Bruce Stevens, organ

FRI. 31 7:30 PM Christian McBride’s New Jawn

WED. 5 7:30 PM UR Symphony Orchestra

THUR. 6 7:30 PM UR Jazz & Contemporary Combos

MON. 10 7:30 PM UR Wind Ensemble

WED. 12 7:30 PM Leyla McCalla

THU.-SAT. 13-15 7:30 PM The Rivals

SAT. 15 3:00 PM Global Sounds

APRIL

SUN, 16 3:00 PM UR Schola Cantorum and Women's Chorale

SUN. 16 2:00 PM The Rivals

MON. 17 7:30 PM UR Chamber Ensembles

THU. 20 7:30 PM Cuban Spectacular

SAT. 13 11:00 AM 3:00 PM Compagnia TPO, Farfalle

SUN. 14 1:00 PM 3:00 PM Compagnia TPO, Farfalle

MAY

DRUMFOLK

STEP AFRIKA!, FOUNDER’S NOTE

I am extremely excited to introduce Drumfolk, a new work by Step Afrika! that chronicles and celebrates the African-American experience in America. Grounded in extensive research and over 28 years of percussive practice, Drumfolk reveals hidden, transformative events that greatly impacted American life, and the performance explores the drum as an instrument of community, resilience and determination.

The Stono Rebellion of 1739, a revolt initiated by 20 enslaved Africans in the then-British colony of South Carolina, is one of the largest rebellions organized by Africans in the “New World.” Africans used their drums as a call for action, leading a fight for freedom that would spark fear throughout the colonies.

Their defiance, however, would lead to the devastating Negro Act of 1740, a bill enacted by the South Carolina Assembly “for the better ordering and governing of Negroes and other slaves in this province.” The Act singled out the drum as an illegal weapon and greatly restricted Africans’ rights to read, to gather in groups, to wear clothing “above their stature;” and to use their drums.

Who were these African/American activists who rejected the institution of slavery? Are they early examples of American protest, speaking out against tyranny, oppression and systemic racism? Why haven’t we learned more about their fight against injustice years before American colonists revolted against Imperialist England at the Boston Tea Party?

Photo Credit: JA Torner

Drumfolk is Step Afrika!’s intention to reclaim the history of these unsung American heroes and heroines who so bravely fought for freedom. There is still so much of American history to explore and uncover…and we welcome you on this journey!

C. Brian Williams Founder & Executive Producer, Step Afrika!

THE STONO REBELLION

Stono is the name of a riverbed just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. It is also known as the site of one of the bloodiest revolts organized by enslaved people in North America. In 1739, South Carolina was a colony of Great Britain, and the Transatlantic Slave Trade had begun abducting citizens of African nations and bringing them to North America for the purpose of brutal slave labor.

Tonight’s program will run approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, including intermission.

Photo Credit: JA Torner

ABOUT

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping — a polyrhythmic, percussive dance form that uses the body as an instrument. Through Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe, and the Company now ranks as one of the top ten African-American dance companies in the United States.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, focusing on teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding. The Company reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year through a 50-city tour of colleges and theaters and performs globally as Washington, D.C.’s one and only Cultural Ambassador.

Photo Credit:

Step Afrika! has earned Mayor’s Arts Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education, Innovation in the Arts, Excellence in an Artistic Discipline and headlined President Barack Obama’s 2016 Black History Month Reception at The White House. The Company is featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture with the world’s first stepping interactive exhibit. Visit www.stepafrika.org to learn and see more.

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

C. Brian Williams, Founder & Executive Producer

Lamar Lovelace, Executive Director

Mfoniso Akpan, Artistic Director

Conrad R. Kelly II, Assistant Artistic Director

Artis Olds, Director of Arts Education & Community Programs

Kristen L. Taylor, Company and Communications Manager

Misha Michel, Arts Education and Production Assistant

BOARD

Credit: JA Torner

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Conrad Woody, Chair Kym Taylor, Vice Chair

Natasha Watkins, Secretary

Jeffery D. Kennerly, Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lamont Akins

Marc Battle

Ann Belkov Brady Birdsong

Ran Borgersen

Dyonicia “Dy” Brown

Beverly Burke David Canada

John W. Hill

Kymber Lovett-Menkiti

Janel Merritt

Christopher Montgomery

Latrena Owens Troy Patterson

Glenn Eric Singleton Kebharu Smith

Brandon Todd Melanie Trottman C. Brian Williams

Photo Credit: JA Torner

MODLIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS DRUMFOLK BY STEP AFRIKA! DIRECTED BY JAKARI SHERMAN

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, STEP AFRIK A! C. BRIAN WILLIAMS

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, STEP AFRIK A! MFONISO AKPAN

ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

CONRAD R. KELLY II

COMPOSER STEVEN M. ALLEN

COSTUME DESIGNER KENAAN M. QUANDER

MASK DESIGNER ERIK TEAGUE

PRODUCTION MANAGER & LIGHTING DESIGNER

MARIANNE MEADOWS† A member of the United Scenic Artists Local USA 829.

SOUND DESIGNER MULTIBAND STUDIOS LLC

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER MISHA MICHEL

The presentation of Drumfolk is made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Projec t with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation .

Lead Commissioning Support provided by ArtsEmerson, Hanch er Auditorium, Eugene M. Lang Foundation and the Strathmore Performing Arts Center. Additional support provided by the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, The New Victory Theater, Meany Hall, The Soraya and the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities.

Production Residency funded by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project , with funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation . Additional Production Support provided by the Publick Playhouse.

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

Photo Credit: JA Torner

CAST / SETTING

CAST (in

Photo Credit: JA Torner Photo Credit: Em Watson

Photo Credit: JA Torner

Drumfolk begins in a Praise House in 1739 amid the formulation of the Stono Rebellion in the British Colony of South Carolina.

The Praise House

The central structure for Drumfolk is the Praise House, a simple, clapboard structure built by Africans as a place for worship and significant community events. Meetings in the Praise House usually occurred on week nights rather than Sunday mornings and the structures provided a rare “safe space” for Africans to gather. Even under the degrading conditions of slavery, religious life and practice strengthened and sustained the African community. The building of the praise houses reveals the struggle of the enslaved to maintain their humanity in the midst of an inhumane system.

PROGRAM

“They took the drums away... but they could not stop the beat.” — Dr. David Pleasant

Drumfolk20

When Africans lost the right to use their drums, the drum found its way into the body of the people. Acclaimed Folk Artist Bessie Jones called them the “Drumfolk:” a people who created rhythm with their bodies, giving rise to new American movement practices like ring shout, tap, hambone and stepping.

Choreography by Jakari Sherman, Dr. David Pleasant, Jeeda Barrington and Mfoniso Akpan

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

Praise House, Sapelo Island, Georgia. Photo Credit: Muriel Barrow Bell

In the Wilderness Choreography by Dustin Praylow and Ronnique Murray

Under the cover of night enslaved Africans often risked their lives to gather for secret meetings and to plan acts of resistance. These gatherings often took place in a “praise house,” a building of no more than 150 square feet, and one of the only places where Africans were able to congregate in groups. Women often played a very important role in organizing such meetings across the South.

The work includes music and lyrics from “All Africa” by Max Roach, “In de Wildaness” composed and recorded by Steven M. Allen and lyrics based on “A Plantation Melody” by Paul Laurence Dunbar.

SOLD OUT

Stono Choreography by Jakari Sherman, Jordan Spry, Mfoniso Akpan and Júlio Leitão

The Stono Rebellion, an uprising initiated by 20 enslaved Africans, is one of many large-scale confrontations where tyrannized communities challenged their persecutors. The Rebellion began near the Edisto River in South Carolina on September 9, 1739. About 20 Africans raided a store near Wallace Creek, a branch of the Stono River. Seizing guns and other weapons, the rebels headed south towards a promised freedom in Spanish Florida, waving flags, beating drums and shouting “Liberty!”

As they marched, many colonists were killed, and the rebellion numbers grew from 20 to approximately 100. Once the rebels reached the Edisto

Photo Credit: NY Times

River, even more colonists descended upon them and the revolt was defeated. After Stono, South Carolina authorities moved to greatly restrict the lives and culture of Africans in the colonies, leading to the Negro Act of 1740.

Intermission

Un/Afraid

Choreography by Jakari Sherman with contributions from Jeeda Barrington, Conrad R. Kelly II and Dustin Praylow

The Negro Act of 1740 prohibited enslaved Africans from growing their own food, learning to read, moving freely, assembling in groups or earning money. Africans also lost the right to use and play their drums. Un/Afraid responds to this historically impactful code of law through the lens of 21st Century American culture. While the drum was physically taken away hundreds of years ago, art forms like beatboxing, hip hop and stepping demonstrate how the instrument retained a significant space in the lives of African-Americans.

The work includes “Ezekiel Saw de Wheel” performed by the Tuskegee Institute Choir and arranged and conducted by William L. Dawson. “Nxt/ Step Hip Hop” was composed and recorded by Jakari Sherman.

Free Choreography by Jakari Sherman

Stepping is an art form whose origins have been in question since the very beginning. Free centers the art form firmly on American shores but welcomes back the drum, the stamping stick and the rhythms shaped by the Africans who f irst arrived here in 1619 (and before!).

Though the drum was taken away and labeled a tool for insurrection , the instrument has been reclaimed through generations of music and dance traditions nurtured in African American communities for over 400 years.

Photo Credit: JA Torner

JAYLEN CLAY is a native of Atlanta, GA. He received a BA in Dance from Alabama State University and a MA in Dance from the University of Illinois. His various experiences have afforded him a courageous and inspiring dance career that has allowed him to travel through Europe and the United States. Clay has toured with Eleone Dance Company, The Mid-Atlantic Ballet, and Giordano Dance Chicago, and was featured in Kelly Rowland’s Black Out Tour. He also pursues choreographing, teaching, theatre, visual art, cinematography, and performance art. He trains in ballet, modern, jazz, ballroom, hip hop, West African, heels, step, and tap dance. Clay is a 2022 recipient and ambassador of the Live Mas Scholarship, which is a prestigious award given for excellence in academic achievement and leadership. Through his teaching, performing, and education, Clay continues to share his love and passion for dance.

ARIEL DYKES is from Gainesville, Florida. She received an Associate of Arts Degree in Musical Theatre from Santa Fe College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Florida. She has trained in traditional and post-modern dance, jazz, voice, and acting. She was introduced to stepping and strolling as a member of the Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

KEOMI GIVENS JR. is a native of Miami, Florida. He was a member of the Gravity Dance Troupe, RickyDanco and also, Young Contemporary Dance Theatre (YCDT) where he was featured on Bring It!. He is currently studying for his Associates of Arts in Sociology at the Tallahassee Community College. He is a member of The Mahogany Dance Theatre under the Artistic Direction of Shepiro Hardemon. He has choreographed for the Incomparable Marching 100 Of Florida A&M University, RickyDanco, Mahogany Dance Theatre, and Booker T Washington Lady Twisters. He hopes to uplift others through dance and be a great leader in his community.

KAMALA HARGROVE is a native of the Bronx, New York. She started dancing at the age of four. She has trained in ballet, Horton, Graham, West African, jazz, and hip hop at the Alvin Ailey School and Dance Theater of Harlem. She received her BA in Mathematics and Theater and Dance with a concentration in Dance and Choreography at Trinity College. Kamala has performed with artists including Estelle, Mr. Vegas, Wizkid, and French Montana and served as a guest artist on tour with Step Afrika! Kamala also worked as a Teaching Artist in New York City, teaching elementary, middle, and high school students.

KAYSHON HAWKINS is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Henderson, North Carolina. He has been teaching dance for four years, teaching all ages, specializing in hip-hop. He taught at The Pointe! Dance Studio in Greensboro, NC, for two years. Kayshon graduated from Fayetteville State University with a BA in Theatre in 2018, with in audio and sound.

AKIEVIA HICKMAN is a native of Tallahassee, Florida. She attended Florida A&M University where she received a BA in Business Administration and an MBA. Akievia was introduced to stepping in high school as a member of the Code Red Step Team. In college she joined the Rampage Step Team. She is trained in hip-hop and jazz and she studied modern contemporary dance under the direction of Shepiro Hardemon as a member of Mahogany Dance Theatre. She is a member of the Beta Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

JABARI JONES is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He studied English at Morehouse College. He started dancing at the age of 8 — inspired by the performances of recording artist Usher. He has performed with artists including Aloe Blacc, Detroit 1-8-7, Elijah J, Jacob Latimore, Missy Elliot, Rick Ross, Quality Control (Lil Baby, Layton Greene), the City Girls and the One Music Festival. Highlights from his performance credits include: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an actor in the productions of College Boyfriends and Mooz-Lum, principal stepper and pledgee on BET+ show Bigger, actor in “American Soul ”, featured in Krogers HBCU homecoming commercial and as a guest fraternity dancer/player on the television show, Wild N Out. He joined Step Afrika! in 2017. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Photo Credit: JA Torner

CONRAD R. KELLY II, Assistant Artistic Director of Step Afrika!, is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he attended Dillard High School of the Visual and Performing Arts. While attending Florida A&M University, he became a member of the Marching 100 and the Strikers. After college, Conrad became a soloist for The Rolle Project in Las Vegas as well as a dance instructor with Studio 305, where he regularly taught classes in hiphop, contemporary and jazz dance. Conrad plans to use his performing and teaching experiences to open a mentoring program for young male dancers.

ABDOU MUHAMMAD is a native of Washington, D.C., and has studied West African drumming since the age of 2 years old. Muhammad has studied and performed with various African Dance companies in the Washington, D.C. area, such as Coyaba Dance Theatre, African Heritage Dancers & Drummers, KounKouran Dance Company and Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company. Throughout his 28 years of drumming, Muhammad has performed at various venues, such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, N.Y. and The State Theatre in Austin, Texas. Currently, Muhammad is a Musical Director of Coyaba Dance Theatre. Muhammad is on faculty at The Davis Center, The Washington Ballet and at Inner City Inner Child, an early child care program based in Washington, D.C., that introduces literacy through music and dance.

ISAIAH O’CONNOR is from Miami, Florida. He received a BS in Biology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. In college, Isaiah joined the Strikers Dance Troupe under the direction of Shepiro Hardemon and studied hip-hop, modern, and urban soul. He aspires to use his talents to learn about performing while also giving back to those who helped him.

AYANA OGUNSUNLADE is a singer and actor from Washington, D.C., who is becoming known for her unique ability to capture an “audience’s emotions” as mentioned by the press. She is on a mission to bring meaningful stories to life on stage and in front of the camera. Ayana showcases her versatility through performances such as an opera debut in Italy as Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte to starring in the Helen Hayes nominated blues musical Blackberry Daze which garnered rave reviews from The Washington Post. Her performance skills were developed at the renowned Duke Ellington School of the Arts high school and the Friends of Carter Barron Performing Arts Foundation, landing her on stages as prestigious as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Theatre. She has a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and a minor in African and African American Studies from George Mason University. Ayana is an acting student of Anthony Abeson of New York.

RAHZEL , a three time GRAMMY® Award Winner and member of the world famous ROOTS band, was born in Queens, New York. Rahzel’s unique vocal style and innovative musical expressions have made him one of the most exciting, critically acclaimed, and sought-after performers of our time. Rahzel is considered one of the founders of beatboxing as we know it today; he has been beatboxing since the early 1980’s and released his iconic debut album “Make the Music 2000” in 1999, which is known as one of the most influential beatboxing albums of all time. Undoubtedly one of the most influential artists in modern music, his unique and innovative musical expressions re-defined the art of beatboxing. His improvisations have won over audiences around the world; leaving audiences across 40 countries, 350 cities stunned and hungry for more, as evidenced by the collective 30 million+ you tube hits thus far.

VALENCIA ODEYKA EMONNI SPRINGER is a native of Brooklyn, New York. Valencia received her BA in Elementary Education and served as the first “Stand Queen” (captain) with the Ambassadors of Sound Marching Band at Virginia Union University. She studied ballet, jazz, African, hip-hop and contemporary dance at Restoration Youth Arts Academy and has performed with Forces of Nature and Dance Africa (Brooklyn, NY). Valencia is a proud member of the Nu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and the Eta Psi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.

Photo Credit: JA Torner

ERICKA STILL is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida. She has been dancing since a young age at SADA under the direction of Paulette W. Johnson, where she trained in tap, ballet, jazz, African, and contemporary dance. Ericka discovered the art form of stepping in middle school as a part of the AKAdemy Exquisite Gems program. Ericka received a BA in Health Science: Pre-Occupational Therapy and she minored in Rehabilitation Management from Florida A&M University. Throughout college, she studied under the direction of Shepiro Hardemon as a member and Co-Assistant Artistic Director of Mahogany Dance Theatre.

PELHAM WARNER, a native of The Bronx, New York, attended Dutchess Community College. As a teenager, Pelham was a member of The Players Club Steppers. He then found his home stepping with the Harlem, New York-based group, The Order of the Feather Fraternity, where he served as the team’s Step Master and captain for five years. He is blessed to have the opportunity to continue his passion for stepping, performing and teaching with Step Afrika!.

ROBERT WARNSLEY is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Information Technology. Robert learned to step and stroll as a member of the Eta Tau chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In addition to stepping, he practices hip-hop and Chicagostyle footworking.

Photo Credit: JA Torner

MFONISO AKPAN ( Artistic Director, Step Afrika! ) has trained extensively in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, African dance and step. While attending the State University of New York at Stony Brook, she majored in biochemistry and cultivated her stepping skills as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mfon began her training at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Apollo Theater, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Lincoln Center. Mfon toured with the off-Broadway show Hoofin’ 2 Hittin, where she was a featured stepper and dancer.

Photo Credit: JA Torner

MARIANNE MEADOWS (Lighting Designer and Production Manager) is delighted to continue her work with Step Afrika!. She lives in Royal Oak, Maryland and has been a designer since 1982. She received a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, an MFA from the University of Washington and additional training from Lester Polakovs Studio and Forum of Stage Design, NYC. She is a resident designer for Solas Nua (Johnny Meister and The Stitch, The Smuggler), Open Circle (where she also serves as a board member), Washington Stage Guild, Scena Theatre, Theatre Lab and Histrio. Previous productions include Eleanor, The Blackguards (Ford’s Theatre); Quills (Helen Hayes nomination), The Dead Monkey (Woolly Mammoth); Old Wicked Songs (Helen Hayes nomination), Desk Set (Studio Theatre); The Chosen (Theater J, Helen Hayes nomination); The Adding Machine (Washington Jewish Theatre, Helen Hayes nomination). Marianne is a member of United Scenic Artists Local #829. She is a recipient of Theatre Lobby’s Mary Goldwater Award, 2004.

MISHA MICHEL ( Assistant Stage Manager) is a native of Miami, Florida. She holds a BFA in Dance from Florida State University and is a member of the Kappa Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Misha trained under the direction of Maribel Fruitstone and Traci Young-Byron as a member of the Young Contemporary Dance Theatre (YCDT). As the YCDT SUPAStarz captain, Misha was featured on two Lifetime series, Step It Up and Bring It!.

KENAAN M. QUANDER (Costume Designer) is a Washington, D.C., native who now lives in Staunton, VA. She has worked on everything from television to Broadway. She is a freelance costume designer, currently the Resident Costume Designer and Shop Manager for Washington and Lee University. She has been designing for Step Afrika! for the last seven years and she considers Drumfolk one of her favorite designs to date. She is extremely excited and proud of this production.

JAKARI SHERMAN (Director, Drumfolk) is a passionate choreographer, ethnochoreologist and performer whose experience extends over 20 years. Rooted in the African American tradition of stepping, his work pushes the boundaries of percussive dance using technology, storytelling and diverse musical scores. Jakari served as Step Afrika!’s Artistic Director for seven years. He directed The Migration: Reflections of Jacob Lawrence, Green is the New Black, Symphony in Step, among others. He is the Founder of Ordered Steps, a nonprofit that teaches stepping as a tool for youth outreach. Jakari received a M.A. in Ethnochoreology from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance and is undertaking groundbreaking ethnographic work related to structural analysis, teaching methodologies and historical archiving of stepping in the U.S. Jakari has lectured on stepping throughout the world, including Greece, Kazakhstan, the U.K. and Belgium.

C. BRIAN WILLIAMS (Founder and Executive Producer, Step Afrika! ) is a native of Houston, Texas and graduate of Howard University. He is a National Heritage Fellow as designated by the National Endowment of the Arts, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Brian first learned to step as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — Beta Chapter, in the Spring of 1989. While living in Southern Africa, he began to research the percussive dance tradition of stepping, exploring the many sides of this exciting, yet under-recognized American art form and founded Step Afrika! in 1994. Williams has performed, lectured and taught in Europe, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and throughout the United States. He is the founder of the monumental Step Afrika! International Cultural Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s newest cultural exports and inspired the designation of Step Afrika! as Washington, D.C.’s official “Cultural Ambassador.” Williams has been cited as a “civic/community visionary” by NV Magazine, a “nation builder” by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and a “minority business leader” by the Washington Business Journal. He is the recipient of numerous Artist Fellowships; the Distinguished Arts Award from the Coalition for African-Americans in the Performing Arts; the Pola Nirenska Award for

Contemporary Achievement in Dance. He is also featured in Soulstepping, the first book to document the history of stepping. He also earned the 2008 Mayor’s Art Award for Innovation in the Arts and has led the company to multiple Metro DC Dance Awards for “Outstanding New Work,” “Excellence in Stage Design/ Multimedia” and “Outstanding Group Performance.” In 2018, Williams received the Mayor’s Arts Award for Visionary Leadership from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Photo Credit: Drew Xeron

Modlin Arts

SONIA DE LOS SANTOS

Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022

3:00 PM, Camp Concert Hall Pre-Show Workshop 2:00 PM

Children and grownups of all backgrounds adore the joyful and bright music of Sonia De Los Santos. Her songs, in both Spanish and English, reflect her inspiring journey.

SUSANNA PHILLIPS, WITH CRAIG TERRY

Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022

7:30 PM

Camp Concert Hall

Alabama native soprano Susanna Phillips continues to establish herself as one of today’s most sought-after singing actors and recitalists, performing at the Met Opera for 12 consecutive seasons.

AARON DIEHL TRIO

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022

7:30 PM

Camp Concert Hall

Pianist Aaron Diehl is a musical omnivore, comfortable and dexterous in an array of musical genres. For this performance, he and his trio will focus their attention on jazz as Diehl demonstrates his singular talent and collaborative spirit.

AVAILABLE AT

ticket infOrmation

WELCOME TO MODLIN ARTS PRESENTS 2022-2023!

MODLIN CENTER BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

The Box Office is open 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 90 minutes prior to performances. Tickets are available online anytime at modlin.richmond.edu. Tickets can also be purchased in person or by phone at 804-289-8980.

CONCESSIONS AT MODLIN ARTS PRESENTS PERFORMANCES

Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase before performances and during intermission at most Modlin Arts Presents performances. Food and drink are permitted inside the venues so that you can relax and enjoy the performance with your purchases.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO ACCESSIBILITY

If you have accessibility needs, please inform the box office when purchasing tickets so that we can better welcome you to Modlin. Wheelchair and other accessible seating are available in Camp Concert Hall and Alice Jepson Theatre. Both venues are also equipped with assistive listening devices.

HEALTH AND SAFETY AT MODLIN CENTER

Modlin is committed to creating a comfortable, enjoyable, and safe environment for all our patrons. If you are unwell or feel uncomfortable attending an event, please stay home. Create Your Own (4+) Series patrons can enjoy the benefit of flexible ticketing, with options for no-fee ticket exchanges or account credits. Single event ticket purchases are final, and no refunds or exchanges are available. Masks will be available onsite at the Box Office and at the performance venue for the comfort and convenience of patrons.

YOUR SUPPORT TRULY MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Gifts to the Modlin Center help support exciting new experiences and learning opportunities. Your contributions encourage creativity, discovery, and expression. Gift Certificates are another way to share the gift of the arts. Gifts can be made at modlin.richmond.edu or in person at the box office. For more information about ways to support the Modlin Center, please email modlinarts@richmond.edu or call 804-289-8980.

SOMETHING WE HAVE ALL LEARNED OF LATE Programs are subject to change.

MODLIN CENTER FOR THE