Cultural Sharing brings African-American program to the Wimberley Playhouse

As a celebration of Black History Month, the Wimberley Players present Spectrum Theatre Company of Austin in a performance of readings and songs, entitled Lift Every Voice. The public is invited to attend on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 2:00 pm. There is no charge, but tickets must be reserved.

“This is sure to be a rewarding experience,” said Nick Bradshaw, president of the Wimberley Players. “It’s a unique opportunity to hear stories, poems and the retelling of folktales by award winning African-American authors, all performed by actor-singers from Spectrum.” The presentation is part of the Players’ series, Five Saturdays of Cultural Sharing.

Mattie Robinson, a highly regarded pianist and music director of Spectrum, will be at the keyboard to lead Gospel songs, interspersed between the readings. The show has been planned to be both entertaining and enlightening, according to Cassandra Knobloch, Spectrum’s vice-president, board of directors. “Copies of books by several authors represented on the program may be won by audience members during a drawing,” she said. There will be an opportunity to meet the performers, make comments and ask questions at the end of the show. Bradshaw noted that the

Bradshaw noted that the goal of Five Saturdays of Cultural Sharing is to present authentic cultural offerings. “It’s an opportunity, especially for young people, to experience the black cultural heritage firsthand, beyond what they see on TV,” he said. “We’re recommending this event for ages 10 and up. Younger children are welcome if parents feel they will be attentive to this kind of presentation.”

Five Saturdays of Cultural Sharing is funded by a matching grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and generous donors.

Free tickets are available at www.wimberleyplayers. org or by calling the Box Office, 512-847-0575. The Wimberley Playhouse is located at 450 Old Kyle Road.