Name: Premiere Performance of "THE WAY OF LIGHT" Spoken Word Operetta
Start: 2024-05-24T18:30:00-05:00
End: 2024-05-24T21:00:00-05:00
Location: White Concert Hall

Premiere Performance of "THE WAY OF LIGHT" Spoken Word Operetta

Join ArtsConnect at the world premiere of a spoken word operetta written by vanessa german in commemoration of Brown v Board at 70.
About this Event

You are invited to attend the world premiere of "THE WAY OF LIGHT" - a spoken word operetta co-written by citizen artist vanessa german, recording artist Angel Haze and Topeka poet August Mendoza.

Performed by an intergenerational choir of Topekans, this 6-part operetta delves fearlessly through the doorway of Brown v. Board and into dimensions of human citizenship that are the truest heart of the phrase, “American Spirit.”

A reception will take place prior to the performance and will begin at 6:30p so that attendees may have a chance to view "CRAVING LIGHT" which will be on exhibit at the Blitt Gallery (located in the lobby of White Concert Hall).

The operetta performance will begin at 8p and will be followed by a "talk back" about the creation of these works of art.

"THE WAY OF LIGHT" spoken word operetta, along with the "CRAVING LIGHT" exhibit a spoken are presented in commemoration of the Brown v. Board case decision on its 70th anniversary. These works contend with the complexities, traumas and triumphs of Brown and have been created through communal conversation, co-creation workshops, and inspired generative responses to a series of artfully structured prompts, thought experiments and communal object offerings.

This event is free to attend and everyone is welcome. There will be refreshments provided along with a cash bar. For more information about the project, please visit www.artstopeka.org/lovandjustice.

This project is possible thanks to the generosity of spirit offered by so many in the Topeka community. It is also possible thanks to the financial support of the following businesses and individuals: National Endowment for the Arts, Visit Topeka, Inc., Washburn University, the Mulvane Art Museum, Security Benefit, FHLBank Topeka, Bartlett & West Engineers, the Brown v. Board National Historical Park, Don & Edie Snethen, KTWU Public Television, the Kansas Arts Commission, and the Mid-America Arts Alliance.