Hopes and dreams are among the themes of the Augusta Mini Theatre’s upcoming production.
“Each year, we do something for Dr. (Martin Luther) King’s holiday. It’s not necessarily about him, but in honor of the work and the spirit of the work he has done,” said Judith Simon Butler, who is directing the performance, “Telling Our Stories Through Poetry,” which will be staged 8 p.m. Jan. 12, and at 3 p.m. Jan. 13-15 and 21-22 and Feb. 17-18 at Augusta Mini Theatre’s Judith Simon Drama Studio on Deans Bridge Road.
The performance brings together poetry, chants, children’s games and history, highlighting the African American experience.
“It begins with being snatched from Africa. There’s a whole segment on that,” she said. “Then we move on, that in spite of those circumstances, the African American community held onto hopes and dreams. The elders became like the village leaders. The elders held onto hopes and dreams and instilled all those hopes and dreams into young people.”
The story follows to the current day where the age-old clash of the generations’ lack of mutual understanding continues with the older generation lamenting about “kids today,” while the younger doesn’t feel understood, she said.
“Isn’t that true about every generation?” she said. “That’s what we’re trying to share.”
One John S. Davidson Fine Art Magnet School sixth grader who is in the production gets the message.
“I’ve learned about this generation and what they went through and how we should be grateful for what we have now and to respect adults and have manners,” said Renari Dixon.
The production features 27 Augusta Mini Theatre students.
This is the first year that Judith Simon Butler has directed the winter production. After last January’s presentation, Tyrone Butler, who founded the mini theater in 1975, retired from directing.
For ticket information, visit the Augusta Mini Theatre website here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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