DARE TO DREAM
ABOUT SOUL OF LANGSTON
Langston Hughes is one of the more controversial names in the history of American poetry. He is among the most eloquent American poets to have sung about the wounds caused by social and political injustice. Though he never sought to be all things to all people, he managed to create a body of work that epitomized the beauty and variety of the Black American experiences, as well as the diversity of emotions, thought, and dreams that he saw common to all human beings.
What would be of Hip-Hop if Langston Hughes never took to poetry...or of Civil Rights if the Harlem Renaissance never flourished?
Soul of Langston reveals the bitter-sweet wit and wisdom of Langston's poetry; the tragedies and triumphs that constructed his life; and the worldwide impact of his literary accomplishments - going from busboy and poet to becoming "Harlem's Wonder" helping establish the Civil Rights movement through the Harlem Renaissance.
The production explores Langston's poetic statement: "I too sing America...I too am America" and also poses the question to all, "What happens to a dream deferred?" from Langston's famous poem.
"I truly enjoyed the play. I believe it took me about 15 minutes to fall in love with the actor. He was truly inspirational."
-Salima, Theatre Attendee
VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON PERFORMANCES
Soul of Langston has been mounted in colleges, universities, festivals, conferences, libraries, museums, middle, and high schools across the United States, with curriculum-based content adaptable for 25-60 minute block times. The performance is followed by a meaningful Q&A interaction with the performer.
ARTS-IN-EDUCATION
Drama and Theatre can enhance learning by conveying information in a Lasting, Memorable Way!
Students who are challenged with written demonstrations of content acquisition, sometimes find more success through artistic expressions of learning.
Inspired by Hughes' influence on the Civil Rights Movement and modern Hip-Hop culture, Soul of Langston was developed to bridge a cultural pathway from the Harlem Renaissance to modern artistic expressions of activism and public discourse, targeting state, national and Common Core Learning Standards across several subject areas.
"How impressive the performance was...I thank you for this superb time of sharing, education, and understanding."
-Tondalaya W. VanLear, Arts and Sciences Instructor, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, Clifton Forge, VA