This complex and moving piece was compiled from narratives, speeches and interviews with slaves, civil rights workers and leaders. This piece moves from the days of slavery to what we believe is a promise of the tomorrow we all want to leave for our children; the one we hope we can help them create. We hope that the presentation of these ancestors and contemporaries will enlighten you, give you a new understanding and appreciation for the journey, and that you will learn something you may not have known before.

A reception and talk-back will be held following the performance.

For more information about MELANIN contact Leslie M. Baskfield at 434-466-5270 or MELANINTheatre@gmail.com.

Live Arts directors and performers Leslie Baskfield, Clinton Johnston, Ray Smith, and Jared Ivory bring a series of exciting performances to Live Arts under the banner of Melanin, a new theater ensemble dedicated to exploring the works of African American artists and interpreting classic works through an African American perspective. Melanin aims to find modern, multicultural approaches to works originally conceived in times of racial stratification, and to develop work with deep ties to its community while providing new creative opportunities for Charlottesville’s African American theater artists.

Cast

Maya Angelou....Stephanie Malia
Mary Reynolds....Danielle Trent
Fountain Hughes....Darnell Walker
Walter Calloway....Darryl Smith
Lucinda Davis....Angelica Jackson
Tempe Herndon Durham....Kelly Finn
Septima Clark....Danielle Trent
Dorothy Cotton....Hannah Vidaver
Ella Baker....Angelica Jackson
Diane Nash....Hannah Vidaver
Marion King....Kelly Finn
Stokely Carmichael....Darryl Smith
Cornel West....Darnell Walker

Photos coming soon! Check our Photo Archive for galleries from past productions.

Trailer coming soon! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be the first to know when new videos arrive!

There are always opportunities to help build sets, work on costumes, locate and fabricate props, and all the other sundry things that go into making each show spectacular. Drop by Tuesdays from 6pm – 10pm or Saturday from 10am – 2pm and we’ll put you to work! Can’t make it those days? Contact Scott at 434-977-4177x107 or email scottdunn@livearts.org for specific volunteer opportunities.