Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Black Theater Workshop’s (BTW) first ever reunion, “Sankofa: Reclaiming Our Time,” will be a time for dance, learning and celebration. The event will run from Friday-Sunday, March 16-18 at SIUE’s Metcalf Theater.
“Current SIUE BTW members and alumni will perform original pieces that celebrate the spirit of Sankofa-fetching from the past that which is good and bringing it to the present to evoke positive change,” said Kathryn Bentley, associate professor in the Department of Theater and Dance and BTW artistic director. “The alumni are looking forward to coming back and performing with the current students. This will be a wonderful celebration.”
This year’s event is under the artistic direction of Bentley and her student assistant, Myy Moffett. Performances will be at 7:30 p. m. Friday-Saturday, March 16-17 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 18. A reception will follow Friday night’s performance.
A portion of the event is being funded by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Targeted Funding Initiative (TFI). CAS Dean Greg Budzban, PhD, first created TFI grants in 2016. The program offers a way to continuously innovate and find novel ways of doing things. It utilizes funding acquired through the College’s Winter Session courses and is supplemented with other internal CAS funds.
Thanks to the TFI grant, Bentley has been able to bring the Black theater experience to 53 students at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) through the Sankofa Residency. The eight-week residency includes a near-peer mentorship model where Bentley is assisted by two of her theater performance students, Justin Truman and Michael Watkins. The grant enabled two SIUE alumni, Joel King and Curtis Lewis, to participate as special guests performers, where they will bring BTW to the CHS on Friday, March 16 – performing and leading master classes with the high school students.
The following workshops and alumni presenters are scheduled for Saturday:
- 12-1:15 p.m. - Auditioning with Josh Douglas, who received a bachelor’s in theater and dance/performance in 2009
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. - Storytelling and Improv with Ashley Bland , who earned a bachelor’s in theater and dance in 2013
- 3-4:45 p.m. - Master Class, Acting for the Stage: Scene and Monologue Study with Curtis Lewis and Joel P.E. King
- 5-6:30 p.m. - Panel Discussion, “Black Theater Today: Is It Still Relevant?”
Lewis, received his bachelor’s in theater performance in 2011 from SIUE. He is an actor, writer, director and producer. Lewis founded Journey Live Production in 2008. He formed the traveling theater company after writing his first play, “Beauty Inside and Out” in 2006.
King earned a bachelor’s in art/art studio with a minor in music in 2003. He is an entrepreneur, performer, writer, director and producer. King’s production company, JPEK CreativeWorks Theatre has had great success after bringing quality, original productions to the area and abroad.
The late Lisa Colbert started the BTW in 1999 as an avenue for students to create and perform theatrical work of the African-American theater canon, according to Bentley.
“Students from all academic disciplines have participated as writers, performers, designers and audience members in BTW. They have engaged in writing original work, as well as performing work by noted Black playwrights,” added Bentley. “Students have also collaborated with professional artists from St. Louis, such as Hassie Davis (BS ‘92), Fannie Lebby and David A.N. Jackson. BTW alums are professional playwrights, directors, performers and producers.”
The reunion performance will be a time to award current BTW members and honor BTW alumni.
Avalon Palmer and Kiara Ulmer will receive the Rudy Wilson Griot award. The late Rudolph “Rudy” G. Wilson, former assistant provost for cultural and social diversity at SIUE, was a BTW supporter who performed several times with students. The award recognizes students who embody Wilson’s love of storytelling.
Theodore H. Jamison, SIUE alumnus known around the world for his masterful work in dance, will receive special recognition for his commitment to the arts. Jamison received a bachelor's in theater from SIUE in 1977.
“Baba Theo has generously impacted so many lives, and I want us as an artistic community to take a moment to recognize his tireless contributions,” said Bentley.
On Sunday, the Colbert Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students who exemplify Colbert’s commitment to upholding the diverse voices in theatrical expression. Colbert was a professor, actor, director, poet and activist whose vision continues to reach students. This year’s awardees are Luis Castro, Mitanesha Moffett, David Zimmerman and Michael Watkins.
“This reunion is a celebration of the power and beauty that Black Theatre Workshop has been and continues to be for countless students,” said Bentley.
Photos:
L-R: SIUE alumni Joel King and Curtis Lewis will teach a master class at Black Theater Workshop Reunion on Saturday, March 17.
L-R: Shown rehearsing are Shane Signorino (MA ’13) lecturer in the Department of Theater and Dance; and mass communications majors Ebone’ Knowles, a senior; and Michael Watkins, a junior.