Kuntu’s selection of musicals for this season supports the three year outline of works that will be included in the Kuntu canon of literature. Kuntu is unique in that it produces works which capture the essence of culture from the African continuum.  These are the coexistence of humor and seriousness, community central in resolving issues, lack of a single protagonist or antagonist, with a focus on having each character’s issues resolved in the work.  The traditional ‘star’ system is rarely shown in these plays.  Kuntu accepts the philosophical concept that art is functional, and is a way that one preserves those positive dimensional of one’s own culture.   Kuntu’s 2005-2006 season of plays examine musical works unique to the Black aesthetic.   2005-2006 Season Broadway Shows: "Little Willie Armstrong Jones", "Mahalia Jackson: Standing On Holy Ground", "Steal Away", "Seven Guitars", "Sing Black Hammer"

Little Willie Armstrong Jones October 20, 2004 - November 5, 2004 Written by: Rob Penny A family man from the Hill District tries to avoid the pitfalls of living in the inner-city.

Mahalia Jackson: Standing On Holy Ground January 26, 2006 - February 11, 2006 Written by: Vernell A. Lillie A joyous musical celebration of the life of the world’s great gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, that will uplift the spirit.

Steal Away March 23, 2006 - April 8, 2006 Written by: Ramona King In this fun-filled production, the ladies of the Negro Women’s Organization for Youth Education find inventive ways of sending girls to college.

Seven Guitars May 18, 2006 - June 3, 2006 Written by August Wilson A poignant journey of love, laughter, and music, presented by Pittsburgh’s Pultizer Prize winning playwright, August Wilson.

Sing Black Hammer Summer  2006 Written by William Mayfield A true story of a Detroit construction worker becoming a great singer.

Kuntu offers to University of Pittsburgh students on the first two performances of each show the opportunity to see a Kuntu show for only $1. Yep, that's one dollar for Pitt students only on the first two preview nights.

 

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Kuntu Repertory Theatre
University of Pittsburgh
Dept. of Africana Studies
4140 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
230 South Bouquet Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-7298

E-mail: info@kuntu.org