And Now My Soul Can Sing! is an original play with music, poetry and dance documenting the life of the late American poet Etheridge Knight. It was presented as part of the 2002 Spirit & Place Festival.
American poet Etheridge Knight's voice was heard from the prison cells of Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. Author of five books of poetry, Knight was an advocate of poetry as an oral art form and was regarded as one of the nation's finest performers of poetry. He received numerous awards and honors for his ability to bring poetry to life, including the Before Columbus Foundation American Book Award, the Shelly Award from the Poetry Society of America, and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
And Now My Soul Can Sing! is a creative, humanistic, artistic, educational, entertaining and historical docu-drama that spans 59 years of the poet's life. Written by Knight's sister, Eunice Knight-Bowens, the play performed by a culturally diverse group of local artists and performers features music, dance and poetry that chronicles obstacles Knight had to overcome in his lifetime.
The performance also showcases Knight's presence and leadership in the poetry community as well as the general community. An inspiration to diverse audiences this production will set aglow the imaginations of children and adults.
Knight's poetic power performed by Kamen Rose, Ben Rose and Khabir Shareef will captivate the audience's hearts and souls as they move with the performers from the 1931 country roads of Corinth Mississippi to Indianapolis city life in the 1990's.
Other cast members includes: June Noble, Christy Stossmeister, Stephanie Thurman-Edwards, Allyson Horton, JL Kato, Jason Ammerman, Virginia Wesley, Oline Petty, Annamarie Crider, LaToya Suggs and introducing Jacquelyn Stevens and Brandi Thurman. Special guest director Dr. Ayaba Bey and set designed by Chris Smock.
Sponsors of the play are Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, Arthur Jordan Foundation, Indy Parks and Recreation Arts Division, Brook Side Family Center and the African American Literature Book Club with the support of the Arts Council of Indianapolis and City of Indianapolis.
For additional information contact:
Eunice Knight-Bowens (317) 925-0465
Etheridge Knight, Inc. PO Box 18043 Indianapolis, IN 46218
