Peter Kasule, Artistic Director

Produced by Empower African Children

Running time: 2 hours including one intermission

www.empowerafricanchildren.org

“Invigorating the stage with that elusive thing called joy” (New York Times), Spirit of Uganda presents riveting programs of music and dance for audiences of all ages. To the melodic tones of standing drums, with dramatic choreography, bright, layered rhythms, and gorgeous call-and-response vocals, a vibrant cast of performers, aged 8-18, oscillates between ferocity and softness as they bring to life the sounds and movements of East Africa. With Artistic Director Peter Kasule serving as Master of Ceremonies, Spirit of Uganda celebrates the cultural roots and new offshoots of this lush and diverse nation.

Ambassadors for Uganda’s 2.4 million orphans, these children personify the resilience and promise of Africa’s next generation as they promote aware­ness of Uganda’s dual crises of AIDS and civil war, and raise funds to support themselves and others displaced in their homeland.

“An ebullient guide, Artistic Director Peter Kasule ushers us into the patchwork of ancient kingdoms and ethnic groups that constitutes modern Uganda, combining traditional rhythms with new forms into numbers so dynamic they are transformative.” – Newsday

Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.