Stoutonia

Issue date: 1/28/10 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Graphic courtesy of UW-Stout’s Multicultural Student Services

Media Credit: Aric Hanusa

Media Credit: Photos courtesy of One Race, One People, One Peace

Media Credit: Photos courtesy of One Race, One People, One Peace

In February, University of Wisconsin-Stout's Multicultural Student Services (MSS) will present four distinct and engaging performances celebrating Black History Month.

"The success of last year's MSS programming led, in part, to presenting an extended February series that is free and open to the public," explained Dr. Freddie Walker, director of Multicultural Student Services. "Last year we successfully presented and co-sponsored six programs including 'Whitewash,' featuring Antwan Lamar Herron and 'Beats on the Block' with Buddy King and the Minneapolis Boys & Girls Club drum troupe. Through these performances we strive to present a vantage point for ethnic diversity and inclusivity. The performances serve as avenues from which we can look at stereotypes in America that still exist in our society."

The MSS February series begins with Mixed Blood Theatre's production of "Dr. King's Dream" on Monday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Ballrooms at the Memorial Student Center. The one-man performance is a nationally acclaimed celebration of the life and career of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Warren C. Bowles, the talented actor featured in "Dr. King's Dream," has toured for Mixed Blood since 1981. His stirring solo performance chronicles Dr. King's career from the beginning during the Montgomery bus strike to his death in Memphis.

"Warren's performance captures the dignity and humanity of a truly unique American leader," said Charlie Moore, artistic director at Mixed Blood Theatre. "The play covers pivotal events in Dr. King's career including the marches in Selma and Birmingham, his thoughts on Malcolm X and President Kennedy and his soaring 'I Have a Dream' speech."

"I have seen 'Dr. King's Dream' several times, and I believe that Warren is the ultimate professional in his portrayal of Dr. King," said Dr. Walker. "He draws on the events of the time, bringing with it an atmosphere of the man so that we gain a deeper appreciation for Dr. King the man. Warren brings the dream alive through the man."

Mixed Blood Theatre is a "professional, multi-racial company that promotes cultural pluralism and individual equality through artistic excellence, using theater to address artificial barriers that keep people from succeeding in American society."

Prior to the performance, the Ally Center for Civil Rights and Civic Responsibility will present its community project, "The Stories Behind the Mask," at 6 p.m. in the Great Hall.

"This community project was made possible by a grant through North Carolina Campus Compact from the Corporation for National and Community Service," explained Mary McManus, Ally Center coordinator. "The grant, written by UW-Stout graduate student Jasmine Patzner, provides funding to bring Menomonie Middle School students to the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts and UW-Stout to participate in personal storytelling through mask making."

The project empowers students to understand how Dr. King's dream grew from his experiences as a segregated youth. The students will decorate paper mache masks on the inside with words that describe who they are now and on the outside with a concern they have about their life and future.

"After creating the masks, a candlelight procession down 2nd street will bring the students to the Memorial Student Center for a review of the masks and readings about Dr. King's life," said McManus. "The project is designed to be a precursor to the Mixed Blood performance and is open to students, faculty and staff."

The community project and performance are held in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, officially recognized on Jan. 18. The holiday marks the birth date of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of Dr. King's birthday, Jan. 15.

The second performance in the MSS February series is Flow Theatre's production of "One Race, One People, One Peace" on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall at the Memorial Student Center.

"After seeing 'One Race, One People, One Peace' at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point last year, I wanted to bring its message on the power of inclusive excellence to UW-Stout," said Dr. Walker. "I believe this performance is the most enlightening for the times we live in today."

"One Race" reaches beyond political correctness through powerful portrayals of the human spirit. The one-hour performance uses humor, drama and current events to emphasize the power of dialogue and the healing that comes from reconciliation. Encompassing a full gamut of social stereotypes and issues from homophobia to anti-Semitism, sexism, racism and the growing class struggles, "One Race" encourages you to look inward.

"Since 9/11, some prejudice seems acceptable," writes Flow Theater playwright James A. Chapman. 'One Race' reminds us, without pointed fingers, that we each must build a better world for our children."

"One Race" is not about accusations or placing blame. Instead, it challenges each of us to make a difference through our interactions and to make the world safe and inclusive for all people.

"I highly recommend the 'One Race' performance to everyone," said Dr. Walker. "It received a standing ovation at UW-Stevens Point and is definitely the best program in our series."

The "One Race" performance is co-sponsored by the Stout Student Association and the Black Student Union.

The MSS February series continues on Thursday, Feb. 18 with Mixed Blood Theatre's production of "Daughters of Africa" at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall. The musical performance spans three centuries in the lives of African-American women, from a slave woman to the national celebrity of Oprah Winfrey. The program is filled with music, featuring songs from Bessie Smith, Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne and Beyoncé. This energetic show captures the drama, joy, pathos and accomplishments in the lives of African-American women.
"Wonderful musical production, so different than Dr. King's Dream," said Dr. Walker. "It delivers a message of personal belief in one's self in the face of adversity - a very moving musical performance."

The final performance in the series will be the Excelsior Gospel Choir on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall.

"Gospel music reaches us at so many levels, both spiritual and emotional," said Dr. Walters. "The Excelsior Choir has an immense glorious sound, which will raise the roof as well as the spirit."

Under the direction of Bobby Champion, the Excelsior Choir made its national debut in 2001 with "God@Work," a charismatic recording that won the Stellar Award for Best New Artist. Excelsior's second studio recording, "Soul Interpretations," earned the group a 2003 Grammy nomination. Its most recent release, "In His Hands," features the dynamic organ driven gospel standard "Revive Us Again" and the funky contemporary "Praise Medley." "In His Hands" showcases the intensity of Excelsior both musically and spiritually, proving them to be a powerful force in gospel music for the new millennium.

"All of the February performances deliver a unique message that is conductive to the inclusive environment we advocate for at UW-Stout," summarized Dr. Walker. "It is important to recognize that today's youth may understand some aspects of Dr. King's dream, but few get behind the gist of why the dream is so important today. There is still a lot of work to be done in civil and human rights; heightening awareness of the disadvantages for people of color is an integral part of leadership development in our programs."

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