Interested in immersing yourself in the upbeat rhythms of African melodies and drumbeats, while a mysterious man on stilts towers over you?
Tomorrow, various African song and dance ensembles will perform at the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology to commemorate the 20th annual Celebration of African Cultures from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will not just provide an afternoon of entertainment - it will also educate attendees about a wide spectrum of African culture, from traditional African cloths to African legends.
The event highlights the exhibition, IYARE! Splendor and Tension In Benin's Palace Theater, which features wooden, bronze and ivory artifacts from the renowned Benin kingdom of Nigeria.
Not to be confused with the country of the same name, the Benin empire was "one of the most powerful and rich kingdoms" of Africa, according to exhibition curator Kathy Curnow.
The empire was famous for the "theatricality of its court life," Curnow said. "This provided a backdrop for great, spectacular dramas."
The exhibition is titled IYARE - which translates into "May you come and go safely," - a phrase onlookers shouted for luck when nobles were summoned to the perilous Benin palace. The phrase also reflects a need for stability in the wake of the high homicide rate in Philadelphia, according to Curnow.
Robert Dickerson, founder and performer of The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, also wants to convey a similar message through the group's grand finale performance at the event.
"We want the audience to learn the beauty of African culture," he said. He added that he hopes that through the education of their culture, the African American community will learn respect, understanding and a solid foundation for their identity.
To impart this message, the theme of the beauty of family is incorporated into the ensemble's performance. Dickerson revealed that elder performers and babies will take to the stage during this presentation.
The rest of the performance will feature shows by acrobats and dancers, while a stilt-walker, who is part of the ensemble, roams the crowd.
Performances throughout the afternoon by other African song and dance groups will "definitely have great energy," Darien Sutton of the Museum's Public Information Office said.
"It sounds interesting and educational," College junior Erin Marshall said of the upcoming event.
The event is free for Penncard holders.
