From Aug 14, 2008 Showcase
The Harry T. Burleigh Society has scheduled a Live & Learn Weekend, the third in a series of book explorations, for Friday at the Watson-Curtze Mansion, 356 W. Sixth St., and Saturday at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul, 134 W. Seventh St.
Things get under way on Saturday at 6 p.m. for a tour of the Watson-Curtze mansion, with the presentation beginning at 7.
Discussions will be centered on the book "Lincoln on Democracy," edited by Mario Cuomo and Harold Holzer. David Dixon, noted historian from Slippery Rock University, will serve as moderator.
Besides talks about Lincoln's thoughts and policies as well as the African-American response to Lincoln, Adrianne Rush and Johnny Johnson will help bring the historical figures of Elizabeth and Hamilton Waters, mother and grandfather of Harry T. Burleigh, to life in powerful, first-person interpretations of the couple.
The book exploration continues on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul with song, dance, spoken word, and nourishment.
Here, participants can meet Harry T. Burleigh, father of the spirituals, as Charles Kennedy Jr. portrays him in a musical drama written by Kennedy and Karen James and also featuring Rush and Johnson. The play is based on Kennedy's "Deep River: The Burleigh Legacy" but adds new material.
Guest performers on Saturday will include dancer Zonya Flemings, singers David Sturtevant and Angela Johnson, violinist Samantha Kozlowski, and poet Carla Johnson.
Lunch will be provided by History Never Tasted So Good. Cost for lunch is $7.50. Call 746-5905.
The powerful "Wheel in a Wheel," the modern version of a ring shout, will end Saturday's presentation.
"Whether you dance it or just watch it," Kennedy said, "you'll feel the tremendous power, joy, and resilience that enslaved Africans brought to our country."