APRIL 29–30

AN INTERDISCIPLINARY EXPLORATION OF WEST AFRICAN MYTHOLOGY, TRADITION, AND MIGRATION BY SAMUEL BOATENG

PRESENTED VIRTUALLYAPRIL29–30

Sunsum is Spirit is an immersive experience that

combines original music with traditional and contem-

porary African dance, movement and storytelling.

This surrealist performance captures a life-changing journey

through pre-independence Ghana. Three travelers set out to

capture a malevolent spirit, and are thrown into a whirlwind

of supernatural encounters. They hear rumors of sudden

disappearances and kidnappings in neighboring towns,

but have no idea these are signs of a new and expanding

commerce — the Atlantic slave trade.

ABOUT SUNSUM IS SPIRIT

African artists and Black artists do not

have to kowtow to any preconceived

notions of what African-ness or Blackness

should be…these stereotypes can be

reimagined to tell new stories. This piece

is basically a continuation of new ways

that contemporary artists are celebrating

what it means to be African.”

— SAMUEL BOATENG

ARTIST BIO Samuel Boateng is a Ghanaian ethnomusicologist, pianist,

and composer. He is currently a PhD candidate in Jazz

Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. His research includes

jazz transnationalism, postcolonial, and improvisation studies.

As a composer and ASCAP award winner, his music has been

performed by the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and the

Cleveland Chamber Symphony. He has performed at the

Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Ghana National Theatre, and

Indosiar (Indonesian National Television), and recently

collaborated with funk and soul legend Betty Davis.

ARTIST STATEMENTAs a Ghanaian pianist, composer, visual artist and educator

currently based in Pittsburgh, my work draws from a wide

range of cultural and

artistic influences.

These include West

African history, traditional

music and dance, as well

as popular African

diasporic forms such as

highlife, afrobeat, jazz,

blues and creative

improvisation.

These are my tools for telling stories and blurring the

boundaries between artistic expression and society.

My goal is to reimagine

and inspire new forms of

human/ecological/spiritual

relationships that privilege

wholeness, justice, and

freedom while joining

broader conversations

about decolonization and

contemporary African

political and cultural

identities.

APRIL 29–30newhazletttheater.org/csa/

SPECIAL THANKS

I would like to give special thanks to the following for their immense support throughout this process and for providing the opportunity for us to bring Sunsum is Spirit to the world.

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the New Hazlett Theater, with a very special thanks to Kristin Helfrich as well as René Conrad. I am deeply grateful to them and the entire New Hazlett team for opening their doors to us, for allowing us to continuously experiment with different media and directions, and for guiding us through this educational and artistic process during these trying times.

A huge thank you also goes to The Heinz Endowments for their generous support towards Sunsum is Spirit, and to Shaunda McDill who graciously facilitated the process in collaboration with New Hazlett Theater.

Sunsum is Spirit is a deep collaborative process that would not have been possible without the advice and labor of the entire cast and crew. I am so proud and honored to have worked with actor-director Kelsey Robinson, dancer-choreographer Chrisala Brown, co-writer Kobe Hagan, as well as each member of the cast, crew, and band.

We are also grateful to Pittsburgh’s Redfishbowl as well as The Legacy Arts Project for giving us access to their space during our rehearsals and planning sessions.

This production would not have been possible without the support of my wife, Maya Brown-Boateng, who has been by my side from the application process, to the script writing and all the way through rehearsal and the recording stages.

Finally, I would like to dedicate Sunsum is Spirit to the memory of my father, the late Rev. Ernest Amoako Boateng who passed away in January 2021. Nante Yié, Agya.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE“I am grateful beyond

measure to be leading a

team of deeply skilled and

dedicated artists through

this rich body of work. It is

evident and profound that

these are the first

footsteps of Sunsum is Spirit which has the

potential to outlive us all.

For many of us, this is a

grand return to the physical stage and the glossy production

values after over a year of what Damon Young refers to as the

‘double pandemic.’ As we commune, we hope to be marking the

end of COVID-19 and the end of sanctioned murder of Black

citizens as a constant threat. As we watch Sunsum’s heroes

decentralize power, reallocate wealth and reprioritize values in

the world of the play, we wish and work towards the same goals

here in our present.

Thank you to Sam for trusting me with this beautiful newborn

and thank you to all the people, ideas and faith that have made

every moment of this process worthy and wonderful.”

— KELSEY ROBINSON, DIRECTOR


CAST & CREWSAMUEL BOATENG

LEAD ARTIST/COMPOSER/VOCALISTKELSEY ROBINSON

DIRECTOR/NNFRAMACHRISALA BROWN

CHOREOGRAPHERKOBE HAGAN

CO-WRITERMELESSIE CLARK

AFIA ANOTEWWALI JAMAL

NANA KWAME OTIMIRICHARD MCBRIDE

KWABENA ÉNTI-NNAIRA CAMBRIC

KWADWO ADOÉSHERYLAND NEAL

DANCERSIMON PHILLIPS

SPYEBONY ZANUWA

DANCER

MAYA BROWN-BOATENG VOCALIST

MORGAN HAWKINS VOCALIST

JOHN BAGNATO GUITAR

HUGO CRUZ DRUMS/PERCUSSIONELI NARAGON

BASSROGER ROMERO

SAXOPHONEEVE BANDI

LIGHTING DESIGNERJOHNMICHAEL BOHACH

SCENIC DESIGNEREBONY ZANUWA COSTUME DESIGNER

NICHOLAS DOYLE SCENIC PAINTER

CORNELIEUS HENKE III PROJECTION DESIGNER

KELSEY ROBINSON (Director/Nnframa) is a Pittsburgh-reared performance artist who performs and teaches with Quantum Theatre (Inside Passage, Looking for Violeta and Lyon’s Den) Bricolage Production Company (DODO, The Forest..., The Clearing) and is a founding member of FolkLab. She is the recipient of an Opportunity Fund grant, a Kelly Strayhorn Theater residency and Cultural Trust spotlight for Talking with Ghosts About Freedom which unearths regional Black and Indigenous histories while crossing state lines on her bicycle.

CHRISALA BROWN (Choreographer) has been choreographing, teaching and performing for over 20 years. She is a graduate of Pittsburgh CAPA HS and holds a BFA in Dance Performance from Temple University. Chrisala brings a strong respect and appreciation of the importance of educating students and audiences on the traditions of West African music and dance. She prioritizes context and authenticity, creating works that will have a lasting presence within the community.

MELESSIE CLARK (Afia Anotew) is thrilled to be returning to the Hazlett! A Pittsburgh native and Point Park University alumnus, her credits include Grease and Rock of Ages (PCLO), Dreamgirls (Alhambra Theatre), After Midnight (Norwegian Cruiselines), Dulcy (Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Co.) and The Old Settler (New Horizon Theater). Her film work include the upcoming Netflix series Archive 81 and the short film, We Are Nowhere. IG: @melessieclark

CAST BIOS


WALI JAMAL (Nana Kwame Otimi) has performed with just about every theater in Pittsburgh. An August Wilson Warrior, he has performed in all ten plays in the August Wilson American Century Cycle plus his one man show, How I Learned What I Learned. Wali has a YouTube Channel called HISTORY’S FLIPSIDE, in which his focuses on the experiences of Pittsburgh’s first black doctor, Martin Delany. He would like to thank Kelsey for on-boarding him for this exquisitely designed show.

RICHARD MCBRIDE (Kwabena Énti-Nna)is beyond thrilled to be a part of the Sunsum is Spirit Family. A Point Park University alumnus, he spent the last nine years working in the New York Theatre scene. Richard is a former member of This is Not A Theatre Company. His most recent credit is David in Under at City Theatre. Richard is beyond grateful to be working with Kelsey, Sam, and the rest of this incredibly talented cast, and to be a part of this celebration of culture.

IRA CAMBRIC (Kwadwo Adoé) trained with Rogers CAPA and the Abby Lee Dance Company where he earned the titles of Mr. Dance of PA and NY, as well as Mr. DEA (Dance Educator of America). Ira has danced internationally and locally for the Walt Disney Resorts Co. and has found a passion in teaching hip hop to youth. Ira hopes to continue his education in the arts and culture of the African diaspora, and continue to teach the richness of the cultures.

CAST BIOS

SHERYLAND NEAL (Dancer) holds an MFA in Film and Digital Technology from Chatham University and BA in Communication from Central State University. Sheryland is a former assistant artistic director of Timbeleza and a performing member of the Pittsburgh Samba Group. In addition to working on creative projects with local and international companies, non-profits, and individuals, she is a prolific screenwriter, videographer, photographer, filmmaker, dancer, and documentarian.

SIMON PHILLIPS (Spy) is inspired by the nature of sensation and physiological responses of the human body. Originally from Macon, Georgia, he began dance training primarily for recreation. Simon attended Kennesaw State University where he graduated with Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Dance. His career brought him to Pittsburgh in 2017, where he has since worked as a dancer and teaching artist for the local community.

EBONY ZANUWA (Dancer /Costume Designer) is a Pittsburgh native and mother of 3 beautiful children. She has performed with Legacy Arts Project, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, and taught at Sankofa Village for the Arts for over 4 years. Ebony is the artistic director and a choreographer for The Nia Dance Ensemble. Her love for dance propels her to continue her studies and plans to travel abroad and study at the University of Ghana!

CAST BIOS


MAYA BROWN-BOATENG (Vocalist) is a PhD student in Ethnomusicology and a Teaching Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. She received her BA in Music (voice) from the University of Mount Union and she obtained her MA in Ethnomusicology from Kent State University. She is currently writing her dissertation about Black banjoists who are reclaiming the banjo. As a classic banjoist, Maya received the All Frets Foundation Grant in 2019 from the All Frets Foundation.

MORGAN HAWKINS (Vocalist) is a vocalist, musician, and designer. Most recently she has performed backing vocals with Brittney Chantele, Afro Yaqui Music Collective, and for a new studio track by funk legend Betty Davis. Morgan is graduate of College for Creative Studies in Detroit, and currently works as a graphic designer at Pittsburgh Glass Center. She is often found busking with her autoharp around the East End, and performing with Renaissance City Choir, where she is also president of the board of directors.

JOHN BAGNATO (Guitar) currently teaches at the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University. He studied with Geri Allen and Don Cherry and toured four continents with Donald Harrison Jr. over the decade that he lived in New Orleans. He has also performed with Wu Tang Clan, the Pharcyde, Busta Rhymes, India.Arie, and Doug E. Fresh. In addition, his “Sweet Crude Blues” won USA Today’s Deepwater Horizon Tragedy Song contest.

CAST BIOS

HUGO CRUZ (Drums/Percussion) is a Cuban-born, award winning, internationally renowned drummer and composer. He has performed in South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Mexico, Venezuela, and the United States. He is the leader of the group Caminos. Caminos has made appearances at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Fábrica de Artes in Havana, Cuba, First Night Pittsburgh 2020, The Frick, Musicalidades, Market Square, and Con Alma.

ELI NARAGON (Bass) is a bassist and educator from Pittsburgh, PA and a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, Class of 2018. Eli has shared the stage with Roger Humphries, Rufus Reid, Poogie Bell, Robert Hurst, Tony Campbell, Ingrid Jensen, and many other great local musicians. Eli has played in local productions of well known shows, including Sweeny Todd and Hello Dolly. He is a bass and general music instructor at Center Of Life and Washington and Jefferson College

CAST BIOS / CONT.

ROGER ROMERO (Saxophone) is a woodwind player and composer living in Pittsburgh, PA. His performance history includes playing with Afro Yaqui Music Collective, Hugo Cruz y Caminos, Beauty Slap, Gavas Beat and with his own band Feralcat and the Wild. He is thrilled to be a part of the premiere of Sunsim is Spirit.


NEW HAZLETT THEATER SAFETY PROTOCOLSThe New Hazlett Theater staff has been committed to every person’s safety during the filming of Sunsum is Spirit and has established safety protocols in consultation with other local theater organizations, health professionals, and with information provided by the CDC and local government.

Here are some of the ways that our artists and crew were protected during the making of this production:

• Artists and crew were given lifestyle surveys prior to rehearsal and filming to evaluate risk and prepare mitigation plans.

• Artists and crew were asked to self-isolate during the weeks leading up to and during the filming process.

• Artists and crew were tested for COVID-19 at regular intervals during the rehearsal and filming process.

• Artists and crew were questioned about activities and symptoms each time they entered the building.

• All rehearsals were conducted with actors and crew in appropriate PPE provided by New Hazlett Theater in consultation with health professionals.

• All production crew was socially distanced throughout the production.

• No other individuals were permitted on set during filming.

• All singing in the production was pre-recorded with each singer in isolation. No singing was done during the filming of the performance.

For questions and concerns about COVID-19 safety procedures please contact Executive Director, René Conrad at [email protected]

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RENÉ CONRADTECHNICAL DIRECTOR SCOTT CONKLINDIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING KRISTIN HELFRICHBUSINESS AND FINANCIAL MANAGER KIMBERLEE LOVEDEVELOPMENT MANAGER PATTI PHILLIPS-BESTASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR DYLAN BAKERVENUE AND HOSPITALITY MANAGER COURTNEY BOLDPROGRAM AND EVENTS MANAGER AMBER HOLDERDIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST PHOEBE ORRSTAGE MANAGER RACHAEL ELLISMASTER ELECTRICIAN PIPER CLEMENTLEAD AUDIO ENGINEER CHRIS FRITSKYAUDIO ENGINEER LAURA MOELLERSOUND TECHNICIAN ANGELA BAUGHMANCAMERA OPERATOR JEREMY FLEISHMANCAMERA OPERATOR ZACH WHITEPROJECTION OPERATOR PETER BRUCKER

NEW HAZLETT STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORSBRIAN P. MALONEY, PE, ESQ., PRESIDENTBRITTANY BEASLEYREBECCA CULYBAMARK FATLA, ESQ.SHANE GASTECKI, CPASUSAN GILLIS KRUMANLAURA GREENAWALTBRIEN MARSHDOUGLAS J. MORALLY, CPARICHARD E. RAUHSANJA SAVICJOHNNA SIMITOSKIEVAN H. STEINROB ZELLERS


NEW HAZLETT THEATER FUNDERSAVERY C. ADAMS FUND OF THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION

ALLEGHENY REGIONAL ASSET DISTRICT

ALLEGHENY HEALTH NETWORK

ANONYMOUS

THE BENTER FOUNDATION

THE BUHL FOUNDATION

JACK BUNCHER FOUNDATION

BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES

CITY OF PITTSBURGH

ANNE L. AND GEORGE H. CLAPP CHARITABLE AND EDUCATIONAL TRUST

EDEN HALL FOUNDATION

THE FINE FOUNDATION

THE SHELIA REICHER FINE FOUNDATION

FISHER FUND OF THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION

THE FORBES FUND

FORT PITT CAPITAL GROUP

HENRY C. FRICK EDUCATIONAL FUND OF THE BUHL FOUNDATION

GIANT EAGLE FOUNDATION

THE GRABLE FOUNDATION

GREEN LIGHT WIRELESS

THE HEINZ ENDOWMENTS

HILLMAN FOUNDATION

JOHN E. AND SUE M. JACKSON CHARITABLE TRUST

JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER PITTSBURGH

LAUREL FOUNDATION

A. SANFORD LEVY AND HASELE DEUTSCH LEVY FUND OF THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION

MCKINNEY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION THROUGH THE PNC CHARITABLE TRUST GRANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

RICHARD KING MELLON FOUNDATION

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

OPPORTUNITY FUND

PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL ON THE ARTS, A STATE AGENCY

W.I. PATTERSON CHARITABLE FUND

PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION

THE PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION

QUEEQUEG FOUNDATION

S&T BANK

SNEE-REINHARDT CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

THE STAUNTON FARM FOUNDATION

NEWHAZLETTTHEATER.ORG

New Hazlett Theater provides a nurturing, collaborative environment for artists leveraging people, space, and technology to create and present challenging and dynamic art.

NEW HAZLETT THEATER

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We seek out collaboration in order to allow arts organizations and individual artists to pursue their own missions, present their own programs and connect with their own – and new – audiences.

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Documents

APRIL 29–30