By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
Part 1: Sankofa
Sankofa—the upcoming performance running June10-12 at New Bern Civic Theatre—celebrates and examines the history and current state of race relations in the United States through music, dance, spoken word and dramatic skits.
The word “sankofa” comes from the Twi language spoken in Ghana, and can be translated to mean, “retrieve” or “return” or “go back and get it.” This single word is densely packed with meaning and symbolism. The symbol, which is either a bird with its feet facing forward and its head turned backwards, holding a precious egg near its mouth, or a stylized heart shape, embraces the idea of holding onto elements of the past that are good and bringing it to the here and now, for the sake of progress in the future.
It’s a beautiful symbol, and a metaphor that many of us can relate to in terms of our personal narrative: our lives, our families, our communities, our struggles and our past.
Sankofa, directed by Cynthia Evans-Robinson and produced by Andre Evans, is in its second year of performance with New Bern Civic Theatre, and it aspires to be a production that goes above and beyond just entertainment. Its goal is to facilitate understanding, communication, learning and growing in a mutually beneficial way between performers and audience members.
“Sankofa provides something genuine and special to everyone, performers and audience members alike. It crosses racial boundaries, has a special authenticity, and it gives and receives all at the same time,” says Cynthia. “Since this is our second time around creating this show, we feel like we have a new baby that we can continue to develop and shape. The past roots of Sankofa come from Ghana, but we get to add a New Bern flair, with a message of hope and opportunity. We see this as a possibility for change to correct what has been wrong and negative, and create a gift for our community. We all bring something authentic to the table as writers, directors, artists, and with that we have the ability to bring people closer and closer together so we can get to a place of forgiveness and opportunities.”
Cynthia remembers that when she was growing up in Havelock, as far back as fourth grade, she had wanted to be an actress. Surrounded by a family of artists, she discovered she had a talent for drama, storytelling and poetry. Although at various points in her life she struggled with debilitating illness, with the support from her family, friends and professors, she is completing a degree in digital film with an emphasis in writing and directing. “Theatre helped to save my life. I want other people, and particularly children to be able to have the same experience. The arts are a place where difference, weirdness, and quirks are ok.”
For Cynthia one of the most fulfilling parts of creating Sankofa has been working on the project with her brother, Andre. “Andre is a person who cannot be placed into a box, just like this production. Both embrace diversity and inclusion, and are not afraid to try, providing opportunity for everyone. He is always open to the possibilities.”
Andre, a mixed martial arts instructor, looks back on his first experience with Sankofa last year and sees it as a transformation. “I had a little idea what Sankofa was. I knew it was connected to Juneteenth, but while watching the show I began to feel something, like a scaffolding underneath the energy that sustained these performers,” says Andre. “The way they were triggering the audience became contagious. One performer got up and did an edgy rap song, Public Enemy No. 1. I was thinking, here I am in New Bern by Tryon Palace, how could this be? It was very unexpected, not something I anticipated at all, and I kept thinking…how brave of him to take the stage and perform in front of a mixed group of people in the audience. Now, I feel Sankofa is about expansive inclusion, knowledge and wisdom and information; it is about passing it over to the next generation to help complete the puzzle for someone else; it is the bird and the egg, about discovery, learning, and sharing what you learn; it is about finishing their work and moving onto the next evolution in life.”
Thank you to the North Carolina Arts Council for grant funding that has helped to co-sponsor Sankofa.
Part 2: A New Executive Director, Michael Tahaney
Sankofa is to be performed as part of the 2022 season at New Bern Civic Theatre. This beloved performance space is now under the leadership of a new Executive Director, Michael Tahaney.
Michael recently took the helm as New Bern Civic Theatre’s Executive Director after a forty-year career in the performing arts that includes European tours, cruise ships, regional theatre, and Walt Disney World. He is an actor, director, writer and an advocate for new, original theatrical works.
Michael was born and raised in Orlando, Florida but became a resident of eastern North Carolina in 2002. From then through 2022 he was an associate professor at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville serving as Musical Theatre BFA Program Head. Under his leadership the program grew to one of national prominence now regarded among the top programs of its kind in the mid-Atlantic and southern state regions.
What interested Michael most about the position at NBCT was his vision to lead the little gem of a theatre toward its full potential. The word civic can briefly be defined as, “relating to a city,” and indeed that is what NBCT is all about. The previous mission focused on community theatre production, and this will remain a core value. However, Michael is enthusiastic about making NBCT the city’s center for a wider scope of performing arts events that feature both local and national talent in inclusive and engaging storytelling opportunities of all kinds.
“New Bern is a great place to be. It’s a thriving, vibrant community ready for a performing arts center that sets the standard for what’s possible in a civic theatre,” says Michael. “Major changes are already well underway with new state of the art production equipment and many fully remodeled interior spaces paid for from previous capital campaign efforts. Most recently, we’ve launched a $200,000 fundraiser and naming campaign to reconfigure old lobby restrooms and install new, custom quality theatre seating by January of 2023. Patrons have patiently waited for these upgrades and as we welcome everyone back to live events at NBCT we want to assure audience comfort is a priority. $200,000.00 is a sizable amount of money. But if only 250 local residents or businesses who value a beautiful, historic performing arts center in the heart of their community will donate $500.00 or more, we can reach our goal in this short time. Each seat will bear the name of the donor according to their wish and the entire balcony is available for a lasting impression naming opportunity. Current goals build upon a past of purpose and passion that have carried NBCT to where it is today.”
Erika Butters, Director of Development for NBCT, says “with continued community theatre offerings, the new Encore Series, and revitalized educational programming, it’s clear we will be the hub for live arts in downtown and a source of outreach throughout the region like never before. Please become or stay involved as a donor, volunteer, or patron. The invitation is open to all. Together we can make great things happen.”
Part 3: Juneteenth
Juneteenth, an abbreviated version of June 19th, honors and celebrates the day in 1865 when slavery finally came to an end in the United States. It is considered the longest-running African-American holiday, and recently it officially became a federal holiday.
Talina Massey, President of Young Urban Professionals (YUP) in Eastern NC and owner of Business Saavy, a business consultation company, is leading the organization of the Juneteenth celebration this year in New Bern.
“Juneteenth was created as an acknowledgement of the emancipation of our brothers and sisters. It is a valuable part of our unified history. It is a vehicle to bring people together to celebrate the best of who we are,” says Talina. “I believe in my heart we can celebrate each other in ways that are respectful to our communities and our shared history. In the future, I hope that when people in New Bern think of Juneteenth, that they have a celebratory reaction and fond memories of when they first celebrated. We have so much to offer on our schedule from June 10th to June 19th of this year, with a mixture and collaboration of groups in our community. Our lineup includes radio interviews, live Facebook and Instagram broadcasts, informative podcasts, church services, a health day, youth events, lectures at Tryon, socials, the parade, and the Sankofa performance.”
Talina, who is from Buffalo, New York, joined the Marines in 2002 beginning her career in Cherry point and serving for eight years total. During this time, she was also stationed as a reservist with her husband and family in Okinawa, and feels that it changed her life. “While I was overseas, I began working with nonprofits and in service to the community. When I came back I still felt the need to do that in my community in New Bern,” says Talina. “I remember being in Buffalo as a kid at a festival and seeing Marines in dress blues for the first time and thinking that was what I wanted to be some day. That stayed with me. Festivals bring people together and can make a difference in people’s lives. Juneteenth is a unifying cultural activity. The highlight of the Juneteenth activities for me, however, are the comments afterward, the reactions throughout the year. People are more educated, know what Juneteenth is as a holiday and what it means. They have good memories. I remember the vigor of support we received. Juneteenth goes beyond the 10 days of remembrance and celebration. It continues forward and leads to interest in learning more about our history. If I could be a vessel for making that happen, I think my ancestors would give me a pat me on the back and tell me I did well.”