'Ain't I a Woman!' - A Celebration of African-American Women

In honor of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), the Core Ensemble performs a work in its own unique chamber theater format. Titled after a speech by the abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth, Ain’t I a Woman! celebrates four African-American women: Truth, who was born into slavery and escaped with her infant daughter; novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston; folk artist Clementine Hunter; and civil rights worker Fannie Lou Hamer. Shayla Simmons portrays these characters and interacts with an onstage trio of musicians on cello, piano and percussion. The musical score is drawn from spirituals, blues, jazz and contemporary concert music by African-Americans.

Admission is free.

Image: Shayla Simmons