African American program on cultural sharing

“We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”

These words from a poem by Maya Angelou resonated with an appreciative audience at the Wimberley Playhouse on Saturday, Feb. 29. As part of the Players Five Saturdays of Cultural Sharing series, members of Spectrum Theatre Company of Austin performed readings and songs by noted black authors.

Wimberley Players president, Nick Bradshaw, explained that the series goal is to share various cultural backgrounds through performance. He thanked the Texas Commission on the Arts and additional donors for supporting the free events.

The 50-minute show was upbeat, heartfelt and fast moving. Selections ranged from the sly humor of “Cookin’ with Aunt Ethel,” performed by Dora Robinson dressed in apron and turban as she stirred a real cookpot, to the moving dramatization by Glenn Towery of “The People Could Fly,” an American folktale retold.

Gospel songs, led by accompanist Mattie Robinson, Spectrum music director, had many in the audience clapping and nodding in rhythm.

During the short talkback period after the show, a patron commented, “Thanks for bringing some color to Wimberley!” followed by applause.

Three enthusiastic young cousins also approved the performance. Skyler Terrian, 10, Gustavo Araiza, 9, and his sister Amma Araiza, 6, came with their grandmother, Wimberley resident Sue Raye. “That wasn’t a play, that was a musical!” Alma said happily. The boys, who also enjoyed the show, provided expert help with the Players’ drawing for books by black authors

Cassandra Knoblock, Spectrum vice president and liaison for this event, noted that 25 performers make up the Spectrum Theatre Company roster, representing a wide variety of talents. The schedule for 2020 shows is at www.spectrumatx.org.