The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department is pleased to offer the second of two Summer Children’s Theatre presentations on Friday, July 28, 2017, featuring Drum Sermons: Folktales, Legends & Myths from the Far Corners of Africa performed by Orisirisi African Folklore. The program is for all ages and features two showings at two different locations. Daycares, community groups, families, and individuals are welcome to attend the 10:00am showing at Northwoods Park and Recreation Center at 8348 Greenridge Road and/or the 2:00pm showing at Danny Jones Recreation Center at 1455 Monitor Street in North Charleston. Tickets are $2 per child with accompanying adults admitted at no charge. Parking is free.
Drum Sermons is a joyous celebration of music that recounts its origin and makes clear how it came to live in our hearts. This informative yet entertaining African adventure includes stories from the far corners of the African continent, spirited drumming, dance, song, an introduction to some of Africa’s most popular instruments, and a healthy dose of the obligatory African tradition of audience participation.
Orisirisi African Folklore was founded in 1986 by husband and wife team Don and Tutu Harrell with the expressed purpose of sharing the beauty and poignancy of African life and culture. A music scholar and performing artist, Don received a Master of Arts in African Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles before continuing his scholarship at the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana. Tutu is a Nigerian born folk artist who graduated from Crown College in London, England. The company’s performances incorporate African Literature, history, and geography, and are included in South Carolina Arts Commission’s roster for Arts in Basic Curriculum, Arts in Education, and the Gifted and Talented programs. Orisirisi African Folklore has been featured at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center, and has toured with Alternate ROOTS, a regional arts service organization that seeks to support the creation and preservation of original art rooted in community, place, tradition or spirit.
Drum Sermons is presented as part of a two-part Summer Children’s Theatre Series, which also included performances by Red Herring Puppets in June. Groups of 10 or more are asked to reserve space in advance. Seats fill up fast, so reserve early by calling the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department office at 843.740.5854. For reservation forms, directions, or information on additional programs and events, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website.