The Sounds of Afrolitical Movement
Created by Ramona Lisa Alexander, Oluyinka Akinjiola, Darrell Grant, and Charles Grant.
May 24th – June 18th, 2023
BIPOC Performances (Pay what you wish starting at $5)
Wed, May 31st, 7.30pm
Sun, June 4th, 2pm
Fri, June 9th , 7.30pm
Thurs, June 15th, 7.30pm
Sat, June 17th, 7.30pm
Discover the research and rich history that has informed The Sounds of Afrolitical Movement by visiting our Dramaturg website, created by Kamila Bush.
ABOUT
An immersive protest journey through the past, present & future of resistance
The Sounds of Afrolitical Movement is like nothing you have seen before, This groundbreaking, newly devised show takes you on a journey through the many forms of protest and resistance.
A captivating and immersive exploration, told through the rhythms and movements of the African diaspora, this production works through seven powerful movements – from the ritual of (Wade) in the Water to the celebratory One Second Line at a Time.
Led by an ensemble of artists from diverse practices and protests, The Sounds of Afrolitical Movement offers a unique and transformative experience for audiences. Through music, dance, and ritual, you'll encounter the fierce chaos of protest, the cleansing power of baptism, and the meditative stillness of self-reflection.
Each movement is a powerful expression of both the struggle for, and the triumph of, liberation and self-discovery. The ensemble will guide you through the experience, and encourage you to journey through the memories evoked within each movement to find connection to your surrounding community and the ability to embrace your authentic self.
So, whether you choose to sit and observe or fully immerse yourself in the experience, you'll find yourself swept up in the energy and power of this interactive performance that flips theatre as we know it on its head.
With its vibrant music, stunning choreography, and profound messages of liberation and joy, The Sounds of Afrolitical Movement is a must-see for anyone interested in the transformative power of protest.
Don't miss this unforgettable experience – book your tickets now to journey through the past, present, and future of resistance.
| Day | Performance Experience | Your Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Dive deep into the powerful movements of Offerings Must Be Made, (Wade) in the Water, Ring Shout, and Chaos as you explore the rich traditions of protest and resistance. | On this day prepare to be engaged in dialogue, and/or thought-provoking activities that cause us to reflect on ways we can tend to our individual care as well as the collective work needed to advance our communities. |
| Thursday | Move through the same initial movements before delving into the cleansing power of Baptism & Rebirth. | By way of song, we invite you to listen and/or sing together with us the timeless music that inspired us in our times of need. |
| Friday | Find peace as you move through Wednesday’s initial movements, before fully experiencing A Meditation on Stillness. | Bring your fuzzy socks, a blanket or a yoga mat as we invite you to share in a collective breath, be at rest, and join in through gentle movement. |
| Saturday | Move through the first four movements again, before embracing the power of Acceptance of our individual and collective selves. | Bring your dancing shoes! |
| Sunday | Move through the same initial movements before fully experiencing the joy and celebration of One Second Line at a Time. | Keep those dancing shoes on! We invite you to join us as we Second Line through our King neighborhood, which ends with our Congo Circle marketplace in the Playhouse courtyard. |
CREATIVE
Director & Co-Creator: Ramona Lisa Alexander
Choreographer & Co-Creator: Oluyinka Akinjiola
Composer & Co-Creator: Darrell Grant
Writer & Co-Creator: Charles Grant^
Creative Director & Sound Designer (Vision and Concept): Donald King
Community Ambassador: Kenyahta Sikes
Music Director: Darian Anthony Patrick
Stage Manager: Dana Petersen*
Assistant Stage Manager: Imani Henry+
Costume Designer: Wanda Walden
Costume Assistant: Sara Estrella
Lighting Designer: Carey Robinson
Properties Manager: Ryann St Julien
Projections & Scenic Designer: Kimberly Binns
Projection Designer: Charmaine Minniefield
Projections Team: Cienna Minniefield
Sound Design (Production): KC Hallett
Cultural Competency Consultant: Keela Johnson
Dramaturg: Kamilah Bush
Vocal Coach: LaRhonda Steele
Intimacy Consultant: Amanda Van Der Hyde
Covid Compliance Officer: Cassie Greer
Director of Production: Thyra Hartshorn
Head Carpenter: Molly Gardner
Head Electrician: Allison Blaine
Head Carpenter & Props: Ryann St Julien
Sound & Video Engineer: Saibi Khalsa
Video Programmer: Alan Cline
Design Apprentice: Recobe Scott+
ENSEMBLE
EGUA/Ensemble: Eric Island
MAYA/Ensemble: Damaris Webb*
O'SHOON/Ensemble: Moxxy Rogers
LUAYE/Ensemble: Elijah Sims
TOYA/Ensemble & Dance Captain: Tessa May
OLE GOON aka OG/Ensemble: Marcus Lattimore
Dancer: Oluyinka Akinjiola
Dancer: Michael Galen
Dancer: Bethany Harvey
Dancer: Keinya Kohlbecker
Dancer: Ola Onipede
Dancer: Mariana Thorn
CORE MUSICIANS:
Music Director & Percussion 1: Darian Anthony Patrick
Percussion 2: Caton Lyles
Musician 1 – Bass/Guitar/Trombone: James Powers
Musician 2 – Keyboards: Akila Fields
UNDERSTUDY
OG and LUAYE: Recobe Scott+
* Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre Portland Playhouse and Actors’ Equity Association,
the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
+ Current Portland Playhouse Apprentice Company Member
^Former Portland Playhouse Apprentice Company Member
Join us for this inspiring, newly devised work
Thank you to these funders
Our media sponsors
Interested in Getting Involved?
We are always looking for volunteers as well as apprentices, crew members and corporate partnerships.