Libraries are celebrating Black history with stage presentations
- WISH-TV
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Indianapolis Public Library is partnering with Soulful Journeys of Women to share the voices and legacies of notable Black women who have shaped our history and culture.
“History on Stage” is a series of live performances that feature theatrical portrayals of notable women including Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Madam C.J. Walker and her sales agent, Mrs. Pinkston.
There are four remaining performances, each hosted at a branch of the Indianapolis Public Library. (See schedule below.)
Performers Donnice Robinson and Tracy Middlebrooks Wynn portray historical figures Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. The actors use historical facts to develop imagined conversations that might have occurred between the women during their lifetimes.
Robinson, who portrays Truth, explained the process of preparing for the role. “We just focus on what would they do at that particular time and just visualize ourselves in their place and we just make history come alive in that way.”
The unique format of “History on Stage” is meant to humanize the historic figures for the audience so they can see how these women overcame challenges and injustices in their lives, Wynn says.
“We try to give you a little brief overview of their life and some of the struggles that they went through and then some of the goals that they reached and some of the efforts that they fought for.”
“History on Stage” is just one way the Indianapolis Public Library celebrates Black history and culture all year long, says library repersentative Erica Irish.
“The library is providing access to everyone to these resources through programs like what we’re seeing here with History on Stage, but also through books and resources,” Irish said.
“History on Stage” presentations are appropriate for all ages. Each 45-minute presentation is followed by a 15-minute Q&A session.
The schedule:
Monday, March 9 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Franklin Road Branch | 5550 S. Franklin Road
Wednesday, March 11 | 1-2 p.m.
East 38th Street Branch | 5420 E. 38th St.
Thursday, March 19 | 1-2 p.m.
Haughville Branch | 2121 W. Michigan St.
Saturday, March 21 | 3-4 p.m.
Eagle Branch | 3905 Moeller Road
Click here to find out more about these and other upcoming events at the Indianapolis Public Library.
