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Nkiruka's first annual concert, entitled "Voices of Congo Square," will be held on May 16, 2015 at Dillard University's Samuel DuBois Cook Theatre. The original piece will use "edutainment," education through entertainment, to tell the story of Congo Square, from the 17th century to current day, which gave birth to New Orleans' unique culture. The concept and inspiration of "Voices of Congo Square" came from a lecture-demonstration created by Shaka and Na'imah Zulu, pivotal members and keepers of culture in the city of New Orleans. Congo Square was the most popular place for enslaved people in New Orleans to congregate, dance, sing and drum each Sunday. Coming from Africa, Haiti and the West Indies, enslaved people spoke many different languages but were able to communicate through their common language of dance and music. This congregation became a true melting pot, or gumbo, and the joining of many different traditions, cultures, music and dance converged creating traditions we know today, including brass band and second line cultures.
Nkiruka will also depict the pivotal role Native Black Indians played in the struggle for freedom of enslaved people. Out of these relationships came the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, as an homage to the Native Black Indians. Mardi Gras Indian suits came from a West African tradition of expressing respect for one's host by dressing like them, which is evident by the mix of strong African and Native Black Indian influences present in the suits. Through dance, music and theater, "Voices of Congo Square" will share these traditions that came out of Congo Square to make New Orleans what it is today in Nkiruka's own original way.
"Voices of Congo Square" serves as a showcase of the company's hard work over the course of the year culminating in this original work, but more importantly it exposes members of the community to this important history and the different dance styles that tell that story. In collaboration with renowned and seasoned choreographers, Tiffany has choreographed the original work. The company is made up of members of the community who have varying experience in different dance styles. Tiffany has encouraged other members as well as dancers from other parts of the country to bring their knowledge and share their vision by choreographing pieces for the concert. Michelle Gibson, who is based in Dallas and is a professional dancer focusing in Afro-modern dance, has also choreographed a piece for the concert. Michelle is a New Orleans native who has spread her wings in new places in the world of dance and is sharing her knowledge and experience. By bringing these different artists together, Nkiruka is executing Tiffany's vision of bringing different dancers together to fuse diverse visions into one unified work.
Artistic Director- Tiffany Knighten Buddington.
Narration by Indian Chief, Shaka Zulu.
COMPANY MEMBERS
Nailah Smith, Giselle Nahkid, Jawara Simon, Brittney Porter, Ashley Stevenson, India McDougle, Lila McClendon, Lance Sumler, Vicky Anyanwu Edwards, Brittany Knighten, Sauraniya Zulu,Jenna Iberg Johnson, Sienna Kuykendall, Gabrielle Landry, Polanco Jones, Jr., Adrian Lindsey, Shangobunmi McAlpine, Trisha Ware, Mwagale Babumba
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LocationDillard University Samuel DuBois Cook Theater (View)
2601 Gentilly Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70122
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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