STEP AFRIKA’s “Stono” available for viewing through Feb. 14

 

STEP AFRIKA! returns to campus virtually with “Stono,” a powerful interpretation of the insurrection by 20 enslaved Africans in 1739 that honors the spirit of peaceful resistance and activism that remains a critical part of American freedom.

In recognition of Black History Month, the college’s Cultural Affairs Program offers an opportunity to screen “Stono” through Sunday, Feb. 14. Information to register for free access to the 33-minute film is available at www.hvcc.edu/culture.

On Sept. 9, 1739, an insurrection of enslaved Africans took place in South Carolina on the banks of the Stono River. Twenty Africans marched south toward a promised freedom in Spanish Florida, waving flags, beating drums, and shouting “liberty!” This extraordinary act of rebellion against British rule predates the Boston Tea Party of 1773. The Stono Rebellion was suppressed, but forever changed African-American life and culture. When the Negro Act of 1740 denied Africans the right to use their drums, they instead used their bodies as percussive instruments. Those who practiced this new mode of survival and activism earned the name of “Drumfolk.” Their percussive movement gave rise to some of Black culture’s most distinctive art forms, including stepping, tap, hambone and the ring shout.

Please click here to view a brief introduction to “Stono” by C. Brian Williams, founder and executive director of STEP AFRIKA! (The “Stono” trailer can be viewed below.)

STEP AFRIKA! combines African and modern dance to perpetuate the style known as stepping – a high-energy art form, punctuated with claps, kicks, stomps and chants. Based in Washington D.C., STEP AFRIKA! tours extensively with its vast repertoire and arts-in-education programs that use stepping to emphasize teamwork, discipline and commitment, engaging young people and inspiring them to make positive choices. The troupe performed at Hudson Valley in 2013 and 2017, and is returning (virtually) due to popular demand.

Visit www.hvcc.edu/culture for a full schedule of spring 2021 cultural events.

https://www.facebook.com/StepAfrika1994/videos/976432739522936/

 

Published: Tue, 09 Feb 2021 13:00:41 +0000 by d.gardner