Germaul Barnes came across the work of James Baldwin a lot later in life. Baldwin came at a time when Barnes felt a strong pull to expand his knowledge of Black authors and truly absorb their perspectives on life in America. Now, Barnes, who is the Executive Artistic Director of Southern DanceWorks, will take everything he’s learned from Baldwin’s work and showcase his own take on A Letter to My Nephew through dance and spoken word.
Six male performers will take the stage on June 13 and 14 to transform Baldwin’s remarks on racism, societal realities and pain into modern dance meant to move the audience. Alongside dance, Charles Reese, an award-winning Baldwin historian, and Grammy award-winning Luke Crowder will offer spoken word and music. The production is a part of the Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre’s series ArtWorks@TheDJD.
“I’m hoping that all the people who attend will continue the conversation of how Black men are being perceived,” Barnes said. “I hope that men of color, and all men, come away with a sense of encouragement, voice and agency. That we can continue sitting down and actually talking very honestly with each other.”
A Letter to My Nephew …