Lives of Four African-American Women Celebrated on Stage at WSU
OGDEN, Utah — Weber State University will host “Ain’t I a Woman!,” a musical-theater production celebrating the lives of four significant African-American women, at the Val A. Browning Center Austad Auditorium, Feb. 17 at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Core Ensemble, a touring theater group, will present the show, which explores the lives and accomplishments of ex-slave and abolitionist Sojourner Truth, renowned novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, folk artist Clementine Hunter and civil-rights worker Fannie Lou Hamer.
Actress Shinnerrie Jackson will portray each character while interacting with a musical trio of piano, percussion and cello. The musical score will draw from sounds of the Deep South, the Jazz Age and music by various African-American composers.
“'Ain't I a Woman!’ provides a set of performance pieces for us to consider during Black History Month,” said Adrienne Gillespie Andrews, chief diversity officer. “This program does more than teach a curriculum in black history, it teaches American history, focusing on the power of individuals to embody character traits that helped them make critical decisions at pivotal points in their lives.”
All of the women portrayed in the show left their mark in history, and the performance will explore how they overcame challenges and were able to achieve social tolerance and acceptance. The show will blend music with factual information to tell their stories.
“Each story examines the impact of personal challenges experienced and decisions made in the face of social injustice and exclusion,” Andrews said. “I anticipate a warm response and lively reflection following this dynamic event.”
Core Ensemble has been touring since 1993. They have visited every region in the United States, as well as international locations. All of their shows celebrate diversity through chamber music theatre, a type of theater that combines both narrative and musical performance.
This event is presented by the Office of the President, Office of Cultural Affairs and Diversity and Inclusive Programs. The show is free and open to the public.
For more information about “Ain’t I a Woman!,” visit weber.edu/diversity.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Rachel Badali, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Teresa Martinez, diversity and inclusive programs coordinator for Access & Diversity
801-626-6957 • teresaholt@weber.edu