A Note from the Producer

Dear Lovely Guests,

I am honored to welcome you all to the 32nd production of Black Anthology.

In 1989, Marcia Hayes-Harris saw the need to have the experiences of Black students represented on the stage. This led to the creation of Black Anthology—Washington University’s first cultural production. Since its inception, Black Anthology has annually provided students with the opportunity to discuss, complicate, and celebrate Black life, history, and culture across the globe. Our organization has covered a myriad of topics and issues that affect the Black community and continues to represent Black life in innovative, refreshing ways.

Black Anthology has grown so much over the past three decades; in recent years the executive board has moved to include a different philanthropic initiative each year to help make a positive impact in the greater St. Louis community. This year we have partnered with Epworth, a multiservice agency that caters towards youth who have experienced trauma. Epworth seeks to empower these youth to realize their unique potential by meeting essential needs, cultivating resilience, and building community. Thousands of youth and families turn to Epworth each year for a full range of services including: therapeutic foster care, residential services, emergency shelter, comprehensive psychological testing, life skills and vocational training. They also have a Drop-In Center, food pantry, and a 24-hour crisis help-line.

This is my fourth (and sadly, final) year of working with Black Anthology. When I joined during my first year as an intern, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to serve as producer for both my junior and senior years. Through Black Anthology, I have found community, passion, artistic expression, and creative leadership. This year, I have grown a lot – introducing five new talented first-year students on the exec board, planning for my first in-person show, constantly improving my leadership style, and learning how to work ahead and under pressure.

Last year, I produced Anthology’s Asifuye Mvua Imemnyeshea , which was sadly made a virtual production at the last minute due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For reference, I have not seen an in-person production since my first year of college (spring 2020), when Masquerade premiered right before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since our spring 2021 show ( essential(s) ), I have prepared for a virtual production. When I finally heard the news that our 2023 show Change Gon’ Come was fully in person, I was ecstatic but also nervous. Because I had mostly worked behind-the-scenes for virtual shows,where the entire cast and executive board spent hours rehearsing, acting, dancing, filming, and building, I was not used to the mechanics of an in-person show. It was daunting to say the least, but because the BA community is so talented and dedicated, I had the confidence in all members to pull off a creative and professional show.

I am so excited to present Change Gon’ Come , a showcase that urges people to think about the city as a construct, particularly as it has harmed Black populations across generations through unjust practices and institutions. As an emerging researcher interested in the nexus of urban geography, antiblackness, and community action, this BA season–the script revisions, event and community planning, and rehearsals–will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so proud and forever grateful for my BA community, and you all’s intelligent, performative, creative, and critically insightful contributions to making this show possible.

I have loved my experience with Black Anthology so much these past four years, and I am so happy to be a part of the BA legacy. I can’t wait to see where BA goes when me and my fellow seniors graduate.

Thank you all for your continued support for Black Anthology!

Cheers, Marc Ridgell, 2021-23 Producer Black Anthology 2022–2023