NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt University‘s Rhythm & Roots
Performance Company will celebrate its 10th anniversary by blending the
past and present to create a high-energy, eclectic show called “Up From
the Roots.” The show, to be held in conjunction with Black History
Month, is scheduled for Feb. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. in Langford Auditorium.
“We picked some of the best pieces from our previous shows and created
some new works to show the growth of this company,” said Cindy Young,
Rhythm & Roots director.
“Growth” is the theme for this year‘s show, with all the production
numbers revolving around a tree that grows on stage. The show opens
with someone planting seeds, an image reminiscent of the symbolic seeds
that were planted in 1994 when the company was started by three
African-American Vanderbilt students under the creative direction of
Young to showcase the students‘ creative talents during Black History
Month.
“Through the years, the company has grown into a multicultural
performance arts company with hundreds of students participating in the
last 10 years,” said Young. This year‘s cast of 21 undergraduates will
take the audience through a decade of song, dance and drama written and
choreographed by the students themselves.
Returning audience members will see past favorite Rhythm & Roots
performance pieces restaged with a contemporary flair. Works include
“Free Speech” from the 1997 show, “Reflections: A Celebration of Life”;
“Road to Freedom” from the 1995 show, “Just Kickin‘ It”; and “Black
Onyx” from the 1996 show, “Footsteps to Freedom.”
“We really wanted to give back to the alumni who started this group and
worked hard to keep it going. We wanted to show them how much we value
and appreciate their dedication in creating an organization that is now
considered a legacy on campus and show them how far it has come and how
much farther it will grow,” added Young.
Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, the
Sarratt Student Center box office and at the door on show nights.
For additional information, contact Cindy Young at 322-7077.
Media contact: Cindy Young, (615) 322-7077
cynthia.r.young@vanderbilt.edu