Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was one of the first Black women to see her anti-slavery writings published in the United States. The dramatic choreography of “The Artistry and Activism of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper” brings to life her poetry, novels, lectures, and enduring legacy in a dance-theatre program that highlights the challenges of her lifetime that are still as relevant today.

The production is directed by Lynnette Young Overby, a professor emerita of theatre and dance at the University of Delaware; and performed by actress Sharia Benn and the Sharing Our Legacy Dance Theatre.

The program includes:
Harper’s poems “Blessed Hope,” “Slave Mother,” and “Sketches of a Southern Life”; her novel, Iola Leroy; a short story, ”The Two Offers”; and a lecture, ”We are All Bound Up Together”;
original poems by Glenis Redmond;
original music by Ralph Russell, David Horton and Vianne Reay; and
“Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” by Arreon Harley-Emerson and performed by the award-winning Elevate Vocal Arts choir.

After the performance, the artist will speak with interested the audience members.

American Sign Language interpretation will be offered for this performance. Contact the Arts Ticket Center at artstix@psu.edu or by calling 814-863‑2727, ext. 3, by September 6, to discuss ASL seating preferences.