29316: HAITIAN DRUM AND DANCE COMPANY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN BROOKLYN (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Lois Wilcken <makandal@verizon.net>

For immediate release

Contact:  Lois Wilcken, 718-953-6638, makandal@verizon.net

HAITIAN DRUM AND DANCE COMPANY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN BROOKLYN

La Troupe Makandal, a company that brings the traditions of the Haitian
people alive in music and dance, announces a soirée for its silver
anniversary in New York City on Friday, October 20, 8 pm, in Brecher Hall at
Hunter College CUNY.  Admissions to the festivity will benefit the company¹s
education programs.

A group of young artists from a poor community in Port-au-Prince formed the
Troupe in 1973. Inspired by the revolutionary maroon Makandal, they created
works that evoked the magic and power of Haiti¹s legendary struggle for
freedom‹a struggle that precipitated the unraveling of the slave system in
the region.  Like their namesake, the young artists found refuge in a
distant place: Brooklyn.  They made their home in the borough in 1981 and
have since performed for and educated the public under the direction of
Master Drummer Frisner Augustin (National Endowment for the Arts National
Heritage Fellow 1999).

The Haitian Drum Workshop of Hunter College, which has worked with Makandal
since 1983, is co-hosting the celebration.  Highlights of the evening
include a presentation in sound and images of Makandal¹s 25 years in New
York, as well as live music and dance performances by members of the Troupe
past and present.  Hors d¹oeuvre and beverages for sale.  A minimum
tax-exempt contribution of $25 is requested for admission.

Please note:  We encourage all attending to wear something silver for the
occasion.

Brecher Hall is located in Room 635 of the North Building of Hunter College
in Manhattan.  The entrance to the building is on East 69th Street between
Park and Lexington Avenues.  By public transportation, take the 6 subway to
East 68th Street.  Walk one block north on Lexington Avenue, turn left onto
East 69th Street, and find the entrance to the building to your left as you
approach Park Avenue.  Take an elevator to the 6th floor, make a left off
the elevator, then a right through the doors at the end of the hall.  You
will see Brecher Hall in front of you.

 For reservations and further information, call 718-953-6638, or email
makandal@verizon.net.