Children’s Play Written by CSM Students Opens Jan. 31
The College of Southern Maryland Children’s Theatre brings a work of
its own creation to life with “Anansi,” a children’s play about
the traditional folk hero. The play will open at 7 p.m. on Jan. 31 with
additional performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Feb. 1. All performances
will take place in the Fine Arts Center, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata.
“The idea for this performance began in a classroom, where we started
talking about writing children’s theater,” said CSM’s Coordinator
for Theatre and Dance and Associate Professor Keith Hight. “I have
always loved folklore, and though Anansi is considered of an older
generation, I thought we should bring him back.”
Anansi the spider, originating in Ghana, is considered one of the most
important characters in West African and Caribbean folklore, Hight said.
Every civilized culture has a character drawn from Anansi’s essence
including Japan’s Tengu, the Polynesian character Maui and Loki of
Norse mythology. Throughout the world he is known by many names: Ananse,
Kwaku and Anancy, to name only a few. The Southern United States has
embraced his character in the form of Aunt Nancy.
Anansi’s stories, rich in humor, always convey a great moral lesson
at their conclusion. “Kids today need Anansi. He gives hope. Yes, he
is a trickster. Yes, he is mischievous. But every story, like those of
the Brothers Grimm, has an ethical principle,” said Hight.
The play is written by those CSM students in Hight’s class. “This
is an original show, performed by the community. It is my students’
work and vision on stage. Expect a great evening of fun, mixing modern
day with histories of others cultures,” Hight said.
Casting includes Philip Holland and Xavier Prince of Waldorf as Anansi,
Vanecia Niamoko of Waldorf as Nana, Finley Jordan of Prince Frederick as
Brat, and Hannah Credno and Nicole Credno of La Plata as Spoile and
Obnoxia, respectively. The tribal ensemble includes Jaimie Greene, Matt
Jameson, Anthony Montgomery and Kenneth Waters of Waldorf, Kate Sine of
Faulkner, J.R. Cook of Lexington Park, Emmeline Jones of Mechanicsville,
Morgan Kline of Port Tobacco, Julia D’Alessandro of Indian Head, Apryl
Wilson of La Plata, Amanda Connelley of Bryans Road, Anna Henry and
Kheni Wells of White Plains, Brandon Jones of Clinton and Kaylin Beach
of Pomfret.
“Anansi” is CSM’s first children’s play in the New Year. Individual
tickets are $7 for adults/seniors, $5 for youth (high school age and
younger). For information, visit www.csmd.edu/Arts or call the Box
Office at 301-934-7828.
The Fine Arts Center is accessible to patrons with disabilities. Audio
description for the visually impaired and sign language interpretation
for the hearing impaired are available with a minimum two week advance
notice. If you are interested in these services please contact the&
