University Park, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Powerful narratives, dynamic rhythm and rhymes, and live beats will electrify the audience when “Flow,” by Will Power, comes to the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University on Saturday, November 12, at 8 p.m. Tickets range in price from $15 to $39, with special $15 tickets for students, and are available by calling (708) 235-2222 or online at www.centertickets.net.
“Flow,” a production of eta Creative Arts, is the first in the Center for Performing Arts’ “One More Night” series, which is bringing the best in Chicago theater to GSU for one final performance. “One More Night” is made possible by a generous grant from the Chicago Community Trust.
First presented at the 2003 New York City Hip-Hop Festival, “Flow” tells the story of a young rap artist on a mission to save the African American oral tradition. He joins forces with – and takes the role of – seven community storytellers, all of whom face the pitfalls of modern urban society. As they tell their specific stories, small but significant life lessons are tossed toward the audience through compelling rhymes and rhythms. The message is clear – we must continue to tell our stories, and pass on our lessons – but the storytelling, filled with feverish energy, is nothing short of inspirational.
Will Power, the creator of “Flow,” has been lauded as a pioneer in the emerging genre of hip hop theater. “Flow” received the theater trophy at the 2004 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival and Power has received many other awards for his acting and writing. According to The New York Times, “Flow” “combines the complexity of serious drama with the visual and sonic arsenal of MTV.”
Time Out Chicago recently gave a rave review to eta Creative Arts’ production of “Flow,” noting that “Director Sonita Surratt’s production exudes passion, largely due to its kinetic and rhythmically adept two-person cast. As the ‘seven last storytellers in the neighborhood’ fall victim to the changing culture, street rapper MC (Rashaad Hall) trains to take up the post at the hand of Ole’ Cheesy, a prophet-like veteran of the form. Hall gives a powerhouse performance and displays remarkable range in his tributes to different community archetypes.” Deja K. Taylor, the other cast member, won praise for her strong vocals.
Distinguished Lecture
Governors State University is planning other events in conjunction with “Flow.” The College of Arts and Sciences is sponsoring a lecture Wednesday, November 9, at 5 p.m., in Engbretson Hall, featuring Flow Director Sonita Surratt, a cast member, and GSU Professor Rashida Muhammad. The lecture is free and open to the public. After the November 12 show, the cast and director will answer questions from the audience.
Founded in 1971, eta Creative Arts is now recognized as one of Chicago’s leading African American cultural institutions. It has garnered a national and international reputation for the quality of its artistic product, its management, volunteer leadership, and community involvement.
About One More Night
“One More Night” is made possible by a grant from Chicago Community Trust. The three shows chosen for “One More Night” reflect the rich diversity of the Chicago region, and demonstrate masterful storytelling based on our common human experiences. “One More Night” expands Governors State University’s commitment to providing quality theater for the Chicago Southland. Special outreach to residents from economically challenged communities is a key component of this program. The university’s academic departments plan to involve students in each production, and pre-performance lectures will be free and open to the public. Future “One More Night” productions are “Tad in 5th City,” presented by IMPAACT, on Saturday, January 21, and “Broadway Sings the Silk Road,” presented by Silk Road Theatre Project, on Saturday, April 28.
Ticket Information
“Flow” comes to Governor State University’s Center for Performing Arts Saturday, November 12 at 8 p.m. Single tickets range in price from $15 to $39. Tickets are available by calling The Center’s friendly Box Office staff at (708) 235-2222 or online at www.centertickets.net. For group ticket (parties of 20 or more) discount information, call (800) 386-6321. The Center is located at 1 University Parkway (Governors Highway and University Parkway), 45 minutes south of the Loop, off I-57 at Sauk Trail. Parking is always free.
About Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts
Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts is celebrating 17 years of enhancing the cultural landscape of the Chicago Southland. The Center is committed to its mission of presenting the finest in world-class performing arts entertainment to the citizens of the Chicago Southland at affordable prices.
The Center’s programming is the result of the vision of community leaders, educators and philanthropists who recognize the need for a blend of cultural and academic enrichment in the region. These leaders understand that culture and the arts serve to educate youth, inspire members of the community, and bring a diverse community together under one roof to share artistic experiences.
The Center integrates world-class performing arts and entertainment with the university’s academic strengths, touching the hearts and minds of audiences in new and unique ways. GSU faculty help influence programming that mixes education with entertainment, providing an experience unlike any other in the Chicago Southland.
The Center offers an extensive Arts in Education program for area schools, which reached more than 35,000 children during the 2010-2011 season. These unique, live theater experiences engage children’s minds and help them explore and question the world around them. During the 2010-2011 season, The Ralph C. Medhurst Fund provided 1,775 tickets for underserved students from Chicago Southland area schools to attend Arts in Education performances at The Center.
For more information about programming, volunteer, donor, and sponsorship opportunities, call The Center at (708) 235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net. For the latest news and offers, like The Center on Facebook at facebook.com/centeratgsu and follow @thecenter_gsu on Twitter.
