Community Arts

The concept of the project was to offer a look at, and appreciation of, poet Langston Hughes, and offer an opportunity for musicians and dancers to create their own pieces surrounding some of his prolific body of work. This happened with resounding success. Artistic goals with this production were 1) to offer an opportunity for less experienced performers to work with more experienced; Of the cast and crew, one crew person had no experience; two dancers had limited experience, and one had dance experience in a different setting. The musicians had vast experience, the oldest member was able to share worldly experience with the youngest musician; the choreographer had 18 years' professional experience; two dancers, mid-level experience, and vocalists had vast experience. 2) To create a live, multi-arts production; This happened, as poetry, theatre, and dance combined; 3) To present Langston Hughes as not only a poet and “artistic figure”, but to show his importance within American history; This was the case; the show offered an education to many; 5) To bring the work of a Black poet/ historical figure to new audiences, emphasis on younger audiences, and people familiar/unfamiliar with his work. The age range of attendees, and performers, was vast, and comments from participants and show attendees indicated the unique way his work was conveyed. Success was determined through attendance, audience response, and positive experience of the performers. Comments from the performers: Janay Henry (dancer): "The show is lively and full of energy, and I enjoyed every bit of this experience with the cast and crew." Tazz Germaine Lindsey (dancer): "The most collaborative piece of work I've ever participated in. Each person brought in a set of skills and we all left with new additions to our sets." Jovan Valentino (dancer): "A cast full of talented, humble people sharing their love for Langston Hughes. Richard Woods (actor, Langston Hughes): "Warm Dark Dusk was a great cast to be a part of. It seemed to me that the cast wanted to get better individually and as a team. Best production I've been a part of in a long time!" Breanna Lees (stage manager): "I felt supported and appreciated by cast and crew. It was a privilege and an honor to be a part of this show, and the highlight of my year, and an incredibly powerful experience." Marilyn Parker (Musician): "This show gave me freedom of expression. Working with such a dedicated cast raised the bar for everyone. They worked in collaboration with such a positive energy." Heather McElrath (Vocalist): Working with Judy and the cast was a joy. Everyone worked extremely hard to bring life to the piece. She pushed each and every one of us out of our comfort zones, and the magic happened." Joey Schad (Music Director): "I've never seen such focused and supportive cast. Each of us drew creative power from areas of both expertise and experimentation. I learned so much from everyone!" The project was promoted through social media, websites, television, radio, print ads, newspaper press releases, group emails to the “friends of the theatre” and former participants in other productions. We received coverage in The Spokesman, Insight, Southside Pride, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and we were one of the "weekly picks" in the Sunday Star Tribune! The project’s success was based on 1) the quality of the show, as determined by attendance, and by the positive experience of the performers involved; which most definitely occurred; 2) the positive experience of creating and performing around the written works of a well-known poet and historical figure; All performers felt that rehearsals were like a class! 3) The creation of a new piece surrounded a famous person’s words; 4) financially, the company was able to report good box office receipts, (full houses every performance!) and lastly 5) the community involvement brought about by the experience of working in a multi-arts production, and whether that was positive. Response to the show was overwhelmingly positive, and was well represented in the media. Evaluation of the project’s success was based on the above, as well as audience surveys, discussions with the participants, and post meetings with the business’ personnel. The individuals this project served included 1) inner city Southside Minneapolis residents, as attendees, largely working class and many lower socio-economic residents; 2) artists who have a minimal degree of experience, as well as more experienced performers; 3) participants including production people in the fields of graphic arts, multi-media production, lighting, and business. Typically, the company has drawn from the communities of Powderhorn, Central, Lyndale, Phillips, and Bryant. Within those neighborhoods, demographics are roughly 30% African American, 10% American Indian, 10% Latino, 40% Caucasian, and 10% other. These demographics make up the audiences for all productions. Actors and production crew with the company, for the last three shows, have averaged the following demographics: 70% African American; 25% Caucasian; 2% Asian American, and 3% Latino. Within those demographics, 8% were over 65, and 3% were physically handicapped. The project definitely benefitted the communities described above by providing a new educational, historical theatrical experience on the Southside, and benefitted the performers by offering a unique interactive performing experience, and the opportunity to learn about, and perform, a show surrounding the works of a famous African American poet. Community members have typically supported the company’s production through volunteer work in fundraising and participation with the shows, as well as many individuals who have donated faithfully through financial means. A downtown business offered free rehearsal space when space at a local park fell through. 720 people attended the show, representing a good cross section of races and ages. Discussion with attendees after each show indicated that 1) a vast number of audience members had never attended a mixed media production such as this, and that 2) many people were unaware of Langston Hughes' work, and 3) were extremely impressed by the quality of the production.