Griot: He Who Speaks the Sweet Word

Griot 3 in association with Barbwired Producions presents the visionary hip-hop choreopoem, Griot: He Who Speaks the Sweet Word, as part of the 10th annual New York International Fringe Festival.

Griot follows the tradition of storytelling from the ancient Mali Empire to America’s hip-hop generation keeping the rhythm of centuries in sync through poetry, drama, movement, and song. It skillfully weaves the voices of the past highlighting the contributions of artists such as the Harlem Renaissance poets, James Baldwin, Richard Wright, Paul Robeson, and Miles Davis.

Written and performed by Al Letson, with Larry Knight, and David Girard, Griot was commissioned by the Baltimore Theater Project, making its debut in February 2004. Barbara Colaciello Williams directs.

Mark Faulkner of The Florida Times Union wrote, “The acting is phenomenal. Watching these three talents transform themselves into the different roles is an amazing experience…” J. Wynn Rousuck of the Baltimore Sun declared, “The message [Griot] conveys is one of strength, survival…and the importance of sustaining the word and carrying it into the future. In this respect, Griot is its own best example.”

Schedule

Friday, August 11 @ 7:15pm
Saturday, August 12 @ 1:45pm
Tuesday, August 15 @ 5:15pm
Wednesday, August16 @ 5:45pm
Thursday, August 17 @ 7:45pm
Saturday, August 19 @ 4:00pm