A New Musical Drama Based On James Weldon Johnson’s Folk Sermons
On February 11 and 12, the traditional historic space of Christ Church Cathedral will be transformed by the raw power of James Weldon Johnson’s African-American folk sermons. Celebrating Black History Month, the Sacred Space for the City Arts Series and the Cathedral’s Civic Committee in collaboration with the DESTINY THEATRE EXPERIENCE will mount an extraordinary new dramatization of Johnson’s second collection of poetry,
God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse written in 1927.
Performances are Thursday, February 11 and Friday February 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 and $5 for students and are available
HERE or at the Cathedral during business hours. Group rates are available for advance sales only. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door if performances are not sold out.
As the author wrote when the poetry was published, “It was through the old time black preacher that the people of diverse languages and customs who were brought here from diverse parts of Africa and thrown into slavery were given their first sense of unity and solidarity. He was the first shepherd of his bewildered flock. It was the preacher who for generations was the mainspring of hope.”
The presentation of this historic poetry will be staged in a colorful and unusual theatrical presentation with original music including jazz and new age selections, along with traditional gospel music and dance. Ted Swindley (author and director of the hit musical, ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE) conceived this performance art piece with creative consultant Shawn Whitsell of the Destiny Theatre Experience. Swindley co-directs with Mary McCallum, an actress/playwright/producer/ director and owner of SistaStyle Productions and one of the co-founders of the Shades of Black Theatre Festival with Whitsell. The cast includes Jacqueline Springfield, Rodrikus Springfield, David Chattam and Tamiko Robinson. The Rev. Dolores Nicholson, Deacon at Christ Church Cathedral, will deliver the opening prologue. Award-winning Nashville composer Rolin Mains will provide original music and direct a five piece instrumental ensemble, and Dr. Jane Warren of the Belmont University School of Music will direct the gospel ensemble.
Dramatized sermons are
The Creation, Noah And The Ark, Let My People Go, The Prodigal Son, Go Down Death - A Funeral Sermon, The Crucifixion, and
The Judgment Day. Traditional songs include:
His Eye Is On The Sparrow, Steal Away; Go Down Moses; and
When The Saints Go Marching In.
