The Times Union selected William Hooker drumming a score to the silent film, “Within Our Gates,” as a Pick of the Week in its weekly arts and culture Preview magazine.
This unique presentation certainly warrants special attention. The film is the oldest known surviving film by an African-American film maker, the acclaimed Oscar Micheaux, and depicts the hardships and amazing reversals of fortune a black schoolteacher experiences on a journey north to raise funds for her school. Despite the director’s graphic depictions of racial injustice and violence, the film ultimately delivers an uplifting message of racial pride and self-respect.
Hooker, an internationally-known jazz drummer and composer, will lead a discussion following his two performances to accompany the film at noon and 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 in the Bulmer Telecommunications Auditorium.
The 79-minute film is not recommended for all audiences due to violent content. Presented by the Cultural Affairs Program.
Published: Thu, 02 Nov 2017 12:20:10 +0000 by d.gardner