Maya Freelon Asante, Kariamu Welsh and Nnenna Freelon were elated to learn that their local production, The Clothesline Muse, was accepted into the 14th Biennial National Black Theater Festival.
“I had to read the [acceptance] letter three times before I could believe it,” says Nnenna, a six-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist and Durham resident.
In order to put on a revamped production and send the cast to Winston-Salem in August, the group set up a fundraising page.
Through their Indiegogo campaign, they hope to raise $15,000 by July 31. The funds will go towards new costumes, studio fees, rehearsals, technical consultations, hotel and travel, new projects, new music, dance and more.
“Our community of funders have been so generous,” Nnenna says. “We are truly blessed here in Durham. So many people recognize that the process of art creation requires money. We are [more than] halfway to our goal and I believe we’re going to make it.”
The women behind The Clothesline Muse – Kariamu choreographs the dances, Nnenna composes and performs the music and Maya creates the visual art – believe this play holds great importance because of the intergenerational stories that people of all ages can understand. “The younger people who did not grow up with the clothesline are missing some important moments because we don’t take the time to share our stories,” Nnenna says.
In addition to fusing history and culture by exploring race, class, gender, sacrifices made by ancestors and the connection with today’s youth, “The Clothesline Muse is a musical evening of storytelling with dance, projections and original music to honor the work of women,” Nnenna says.
Join the entire cast as they come together to celebrate their selection and continue to raise funds at the Grandma “Blu Moon” Party on July 31 from 7-9pm at 112 W. Main St. The evening will feature giveaways, The Clothesline Muse T-shirts, a silent art auction, dancing, behind-the-scenes footage and pop-up musical appearances by Lois DeLoatch, Nnenna Freelon and Tyanna West.
