No matter where you travel, you still be black

The two-hour presentation, beginning with the actors rising from the audience and "calling all blacks!", was well-prepared and smoothly run. The poems flowed well into each other without losing individual impact, making the performance entertaining despite its length. A good balance was achieved between the rich deep voices of College sophomore Obadele Davis, College junior Joseph Savage, Jr., and Nigeria native Obinna Adibe and the more sweet yet every bit as strong female voices of Thompson, College freshman Aria Anderson, and Wharton freshman Anitra Waller. These six clear, resonant voices did not once fail to drive home the force behind each poem. Evidence of strong direction lied within the show's ability to create the illusion of wholeness while presenting the audience with several distinctly different pieces. This affect was achieved partly through the themes of black poets and African-American history woven expertly throughout the performance. Also notable was the choice of works used in the performance. Several topics were touched on in covering the wide span of the African-American experience, including oppression and resultant anger and frustration, love, pride, drug abuse, wisdom and hardships of the black female. Women poets were noticeably well represented as well. Several poems were amazingly powerful and their force was made greater by the actors' beautiful speaking and singing voices. All of Maya Angelou's touching and strong pieces, Kimmika Williams' "Am I a Bitch" about the African-American woman's experience, and Yusef Iman's "Love Your Enemy" were among the most exceptional. Although the tone was generally one of seriousness and respect, many of the poems used were fun and sexual in nature. The cast managed to get laughs from the audience by directing their sensual moves and words to individuals in the crowd. Despite the bare, make-shift "stage" at the Newmann Center for Saturday's performance, the cast members used their creative talent to establish a quiet respect from the audience not usually found in such informal surroundings. This performance was overall an enjoyable experience that delivered a profound statement. --Katie Haegele * * * * - Excellent