Bakok!

“Visioning” — A Benefit for Performance Project programs

On Saturday, April 24, 7pm, the Performance Project will host an evening of song, dance, poetry, food and drink, celebration and community at the Northampton Center for the Arts.  The event benefits the Performance Project’s two core projects, the First Generation youth arts and leadership program and the newly formed intergenerational performing ensemble BAKOK!

Master of Ceremonies Sid Ferreia will introduce performances by special guest artists, including master drummers Joe Sallins, Jullissa Rodriguez; hip-hop artist Tem Blessed and members of Rebirth; storyteller Onawumi Jean Moss; Senegalese musician Sana N’Diaye; Afro-Carribean dancer, Mellissa Craig; and pianists Ruth Bass Green and Dan Belmont; as well as the First Generation youth and BAKOK! ensembles.  

First Generation provides a platform for young people ages 15-22 to have a public voice in their community and beyond. The multi-lingual ensemble creates performances through thoughtful exploration and creative expression of what it means to be “First Generation” – the first in your family to grow up in this country, graduate from high school, go to college, speak English as your first language, be incarcerated, not be incarcerated, be adopted, be drug-free, be openly GLBT, question your faith, choose a different faith, break the silence, be an artist. The work of First Generation is rooted in the belief that cultural legacies and family histories are sources of strength as well as struggle, as they shape the journey of their lives.

BAKOK! was formed last year from members of the original First Generation ensemble and new members of diverse backgrounds and experiences. “Bakok” is a Dinka word meaning “to leave one’s home to travel to another.” The original play through the eye of bakok features the story of ensemble member Abolish Lual, a young Sudanese man who had to flee his village as a child to seek refuge during the civil war in southern Sudan. BAKOK! is composed of four original First generation members and seven new members. BAKOK! is developing stories for the next version of through the eye of bakok, and will share their new vision at the April 24th event.

“Visioning” takes place at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 17 New South Street, Northampton. Doors open at 7pm. Refreshments, wine tasting and silent auction will be part of the evening. Tickets are $25.00 and are on sale locally at Food for Thought Bookstore in Amherst, Broadside Books in Northampton, Reflections Emporium in Springfield and at the door.  For more information call 413-586-4960 or visit performanceproject.org.

This performance is supported in part by a grant from the Northampton Arts Council and the Springfield Cultural Council, both agencies are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Contact: Julie Lichtenberg, Performance Project

Email: info@peformanceproject.org    Website: performanceproject.org