‘Drumfolk’ makes its DC premiere at the Company’s new artistic home, Arena Stage

On May 31, 2022, Step Afrika!’s Drumfolk made its Washington D.C. debut at the Company’s new artistic home, Arena Stage. The production ran for four weeks through June 26, the longest run of any Step Afrika! show up until this date.

FOUNDER’S NOTE

Written by C. Brian Williams for the Drumfolk program at Arena Stage, May 31, 2022

“I am extremely excited to introduce Drumfolk, a new work by Step Afrika! that chronicles and celebrates the African-American experience in America. Grounded in extensive research and over 28 years of percussive practice, Drumfolk reveals hidden, transformative events that greatly impacted American life, and the performance explores the drum as an instrument of community, resilience and determination.

The Stono Rebellion of 1739, a revolt initiated by 20 enslaved Africans in the then-British colony of South Carolina, is one of the largest rebellions organized by Africans in the “New World.” Africans used their drums as a call for action, leading a fight for freedom that would spark fear throughout the colonies.

Their defiance, however, would lead to the devastating Negro Act of 1740, a bill enacted by the South Carolina Assembly “for the better ordering and governing of Negroes and other slaves in this province.” The Act singled out the drum as an illegal weapon and greatly restricted Africans’ rights to read, to gather in groups, to wear clothing “above their stature;” and to use their drums.

Who were these African American activists who rejected the institution of slavery? Are they early examples of American protest, speaking out against tyranny, oppression, and systemic racism? Why haven’t we learned more about their fight against injustice years before American colonists revolted against Imperialist England at the Boston Tea Party? Drumfolk is Step Afrika!’s intention to reclaim the history of these unsung American heroes and heroines who so bravely fought for freedom. There is still so much of American history to explore and uncover…and we welcome you on this journey!

C. Brian Williams
Founder & Executive Producer, Step Afrika!”

VIEW THE FULL 2022 PROGRAM HERE