A Note from the Director

Dear Friends and Family,

It is my honor to welcome all of you to Black Anthology’s 32nd Production!

I am so grateful to be a part of Black Anthology once again for my final year here at Washington University in St. Louis. I have grown so much over these four years, and I am proud to attribute some of that growth to Black Anthology. Whether backstage or in the audience, Black Anthology has been such a crucial part of my college experience. I have gained so many skills and built new relationships with the most creative and beautiful humans. Theatre has been such a monumental part of my life since I was a little girl, and I am thankful to Black Anthology for allowing me to continue my passion.

This show carries with it many emotions. You may be moved by its heartwarming nature or saddened by the reality in which it is grounded. Redlining, white flight, gentrification, food deserts and more are the tools and results of anti-Blackness in this country, and they must be addressed. This show has certainly moved, inspired, and taught me to fight for my dreams and my community, and to not forget the power of unity.

I would like to thank my assistant director, Emelia Pierre, and stage manager, Kaitie McGary, for their assistance and support. I would also like to give special thanks to my friend and wonderful producer, Marc Ridgell, for being there for every moment of my BA career. Moving up the ladder from assistant director to director was quite the wild and unexpected ride, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I can only hope I have made those in Black Anthology past and present proud of me.

Theatre should be for everyone; we appreciate the opportunity to share Black-centered art. I hope that this show moves you to create change within your communities. Rest assured that “Change Gon’ Come”. Thank you all for continuing to support Black Anthology, now rightfully returned to the stage.

Courtney Robertson, Director Black Anthology 2022-2023

Choreographers’ Note

Hello and welcome! We are delighted to present the 32nd Black Anthology production! Our dancers, cast, and executive board have been working very hard to put on a thoughtprovoking show for you this year.

A Word from Kamila – I am more than thrilled to be a part of the creative process for this year’s show. I danced my sophomore year and was so passionate about Black Anthology, that I became a choreographer for this year’s show. The decision was fueled by one specific dance I wanted to see come to life in a Black Anthology. Though I started the choreography for the Trendsetters’ dance back in 2021, I knew that Black Anthology was the only place I wanted to debut it. I am excited to show my work in a space that celebrates and uplifts Black art and stories. Being a choreographer has come with its own highs and lows, but I will remember my wonderful dance community and supportive executive board.

A Word from Ayana – I joined Black Anthology as a dancer my sophomore year and loved the community. Joining Black Anthology’s executive board this year as assistant choreographer, I have appreciated the opportunity to play a bigger role in the creation of this show, and the community that is BA. Finding my artistic voice in my choreography has been challenging, but I am proud of what we and the dancers have accomplished. I was challenged knowing that I would spend the spring semester in Cali, Colombia, and would not see the show. I am especially grateful to Kamila for ensuring that all of our dances turn out well.

A Word from Us – We hope that our contribution to the show exudes the level of passion and commitment that we have in our hearts for this production and its success. We are honored to contribute our creative visions to this show. This is an experience that we will remember forever, as Black Anthology is truly a family for us.

Kamila Redd, Choreographer

Ayana Loyd, Assistant Choreographer Black Anthology 2022-2023