The Black Cultural Center will open the fall semester with a presentation of
Mother of the Dark Water as an introduction to its Cultural Arts Series lineup. Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre (MPAACT) will perform this theatrical production at
Fowler Hall on Wednesday, September 5 at 7:00 pm.
One theater review of Mother of the Dark Water likens the play with a similar energy and identity of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When
The Rainbow is Enuf. The review states, “Lauren Wells, the director and deviser of this piece, has created a For Colored Girls for the children of the women originally affected by Shange’s monumental 1976 work” (Newcity, 2018).
Within
her creative process, Wells evaluated how the commonly recognized image of “The Madonna” has been clearly influenced by the images of the Yoruba Orishas. She considered the consistency for how the image of the Black Woman has continually endured both appropriation
and misrepresentation, and she sought to ask and answer these questions: “Why was this image twisted to use as a form of oppression? Who is responsible for this? Where are the images of goddesses in tangible form? Why is it imperative that black women reclaim
ownership and autonomy over their images and stories?” (MPAACT, 2018).
While viewers partake in this theatrical experience, they will be reminded that every facet of the Black experience is unique and complex, and that
those characteristics are what make the experience one to treasure. The concepts of life and identification that will be visited in
Mother of the Dark Water will encourage both ownership and celebration of the Black Woman’s diverse composition. Individuals will have the opportunity to relate to others and their perspectives, while accepting a better understanding of their own. As
stated by Steve Bellinger from Picture this Post, “…This is a serious look at what it means to be a black woman, not only in white America, but in Black America also.”
We look forward to you joining us as the BCC kicks off the Fall 2018 Cultural Art Series on September 5th.
Renee A. Thomas, Director
Purdue University Black Cultural Center
Provost Fellow for Diversity and Inclusion
1100 Third Street
West Lafayette, IN 47906
(765) 494 3091