WS Chronicle

Next week beginning July 29, Winston-Salem will be in the throes of the International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF). The town will be flooded by theater, music and art lovers for the whole week. While visiting the opening gala and plays are highlights for many festival goers, the free workshops offered at the IBTF provide masterclass-like sessions for those seeking a deeper understanding of their craft. This year there are over 40 free workshops open to the public, along with films and other events. Here’s a few workshops and events that may interest you.  

*AFRICAN AMERICAN VILLAGE CONSCIOUSNESS

Anchor your soul, feel empowerment through life’s storms by tapping into the wisdom of our African Ancestors. Get ready to sing, read affirmations, engage in truth-telling and interpretive movements that remind us how to follow the drinking gourd to wisdom and freedom.

Presenters: Dr. Felecia Piggott-Long & Baba Joseph Anderson

Embassy Suites–Ardmore 2

Tuesday, July 30, 9.–11 a.m.

Thursday, Aug.1, 9.–11 a.m.

* CHOREOPOETRY

A choreopoem is a literary genre where a series of poems, rooted in ritual and healing, are accompanied by movement; musical and vocal exploration; and poetic, musical, theatre/storytelling techniques and more, expressed creatively and dramatically with audience and performers as spect-actors. Participants will be guided through this cross-disciplinary artistic form.

Presenter: Choreopoet Ms. Latrice P. Young

Embassy Suites–Ardmore 1

Tuesday, July 30, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.

Wednesday, July 31, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.

* GRANT WRITING 101

Foundations don’t fund projects. They fund people. Learn how to play the ‘foundation game to capture dollars. Learn how to ask for money in simple fundraising terms – this workshop will teach you insider-trading for foundation support. Michele Betts has secured more than $1 million in grant monies for Black non-profits and artists.

Presenter: Michele Betts

Marriott Hearn C

August 1-2, Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.– 11 p.m.

*MAN TALK
It’s time to stand up and MAN UP! Man Talk is a component of the Youth Celebrity Project for young men, ages 11+. This phenomenal opportunity will allow participants to engage in real talk with celebrities who were once in their shoes. Celebrity Petri Hawkins Byrd (Judge Judy), celebrity Lamann Rucker (Why Did I Get Married? and Greenleaf) and Mike Anderson (Give Us This Day) will moderate this event.

Benton Convention Center, Main Level, Salem 1
Thursday, Aug.1, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

* SISTERS UNITED

Inspired by the world premiere production of “I Am…a Shepherdess,” the trials and tribulations faced by Black women in America are examined, along with the multiple identities and challenges connected to Muslim and Christian faith traditions. Panelists include Dr. Marquisha Scott, assistant professor, Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver and Congregational Data Associate for the Henry Luce Funded Center for Religion in Cities; Eljon Wardally, “I Am…a Shepherdess” playwright; Antu Yacob, “I Am…a Shepherdess” actress; and Dr. Alisa Perkins, associate professor, Department of World Religions, Western Michigan University, development director for Dream of Detroit, and director for the Henry Luce Funded  “Detroit Muslim Storytelling Project.”

Moderated: Dr. Melva Sampson, assistant teaching professor, WFU School of Divinity

Marriott–Hearn A

Thursday, Aug. 1, 11:30 a.m.

* WRITING MASTER CLASS

Learn practical techniques to bring characters to life, to maximize your plot potential and to craft story arcs. These tools will deepen your script writing skills.

Presenter: Javon Johnson

Marriott–Moravian

Tuesday, July 30, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.

Wednesday, July 31, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.

For a full list of workshops and other festival activities, visit www.ncblackrep.org.  

COMMON HYMNAL

Concert by a group of artists whose music centers life, justice and underground spirituality, covering a wide range of subject matter in a broad range of styles. Free, but ticket required.

Wait Chapel

Saturday, Aug. 3, 5:30 p.m.

IBTF FILM FEST 2024

aperture cinema, 311 W. Fourth St., will present Film Fest 2024 from July 30 – Aug. 3  Film Festa celebrates the many filmmakers of color for their enormous contributions to the industry. Many of the filmmakers will be in attendance. Admission is free. First come, first served. 5 Days. 35 films! Morning and lunchtime screenings. For a schedule of films and to view trailers, go to https://ncblackrep.org/2024-ibtf-film-fest/.