the 51st (dream) state
Sekou Sundiata
Saturday, January 20, 8 PM
Power Center
| Main Floor | $34 · $30 · $22 · $18 |
| Balcony | $30 · $26 · $22 · $14 |
the 51st (dream) state considers the following: what if the 51st state of the U.S. is not a converted territory, like Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, but a state of mind, or a state of existence, such as war? What is the soul of America in a post-9/11 world? How does America define itself in a new era characterized by unprecedented global influence and power? How would you dream this ideal state that doesn’t exist?
Through this entertaining and thought-provoking interrogation of contemporary America, vanguard poet Sekou Sundiata powerfully and provocatively presents his new multi-media work that contemplates America’s national identity. Though he came of age as a political radical, Sundiata nevertheless feels a deep connection to America, realizing he could make a distinction between American public policy and the spirit of its people.
Sundiata’s lyrical and dramatic poetic voice is complemented by a five-piece band and four female vocalists. The score creates a mosaic of musical styles drawn from many different genres and geographies — a true multicultural soundscape. Through video projections that capture individual stories, a dizzying spectrum of opinions, beliefs, anxieties, and passions weave their way into this urgent exploration of who we are and what the rest of the world thinks of us. The adventure juxtaposes humor, hatred, poignancy, and joy in its quest to find a vision of what it means to be both a citizen and an individual in a deeply complex society.
|
|