Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum News


	For Immediate Release: February 19, 2009	Contact: David Blanchette (217) 558-8970
	The Black Rep schedules performances, workshops at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Springfield, IL — The world renowned St. Louis Black Repertory Company, known as The Black Rep, has scheduled several performances and workshops at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) in downtown Springfield, Illinois. All are funded by a grant from the Susan Cook House Trust and administered by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. The February performances and workshop are part of the ALPLM's observance of African American History Month. "Stamping, Shouting and Singing Home" will be performed Friday, February 27 and Friday, April 3 in the Presidential Museum's Union Theater. Show times are 1 and 7 p.m. each day, with the 1 p.m. April 3 performance already sold out. The 1 p.m. performances require regular Museum admission, while the 7 p.m. shows are free and open to the public. Reservations for these limited seating shows may be made by calling (217) 558-8934. "Stamping, Shouting and Singing Home" was written by Lisa Evans and adapted by Tracy D. Holliway-Wiggins. Set in the 1950s Deep South, young Lizzie and her family long for progress and find inspiration in their ancestor Sojourner Truth, a brave abolitionist. With her courage flowing through their veins, the family fights their own battles against injustice in a world on the verge of change but still very much tainted by the legacy of slavery. Joyful melodies and Negro spirituals round out this celebration of freedom and equality. The show is for all ages, but especially students in grades 6 through 12. Two free theatre arts workshops from the country's premier African American theatre company will also be offered. "Poetry Performance" will be offered Saturday, February 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants can learn about African American poets and how poetry can be a catalyst for a spoken word event. Participants will be encouraged to write and develop their own work. "Cooperative Games" will be offered Saturday, April 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. In this fun and playful session, participants will develop cooperation, creative self-expression, quick thinking, positive behavior skills, self-confidence, conflict resolution and imagination through cooperative and improvisational games. Both sessions will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, and space is limited for each session. Registration is required, and participants can register by calling (217) 558-8929. Each session is suitable for ages 7 and up and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Educators are offered 1.5 CPDUs for completing the session. The St. Louis Black Repertory Company performances and workshops are presented by the Education and Shows Divisions of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (www.presidentlincoln.org). The Black Rep is Missouri's only professional black theater company and the state's largest culturally specific arts organization. In just 32 years The Black Rep has transformed from an ambitious college project that provided more acting opportunities to African American students into one of the nation's leading professional theatre companies. Visit www.theblackrep.org for more information. ###