Fri 12/19-Sun 12/21
Cleveland Public Theatre concludes its three weekends of special holiday programming with a tribute to Kwanzaa called The Light of Kinara — the term for the candleholder that’s roughly the equivalent of the Jewish menorah.
Featuring the performers from the Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, the program includes three different programs, featuring dance, music and spoken word.
On Day 1, Friday December 19, it will focus on “Illuminating the Principles: A Community Conversation.” The evening opens with a panel discussion from 6:30-7:30pm featuring community and cultural leaders talking about the Nguzo Saba—the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa—can be used in guiding how to live year-round. The pre-show market opens at 7:15, followed by the performance.
Day 2, Saturday, December 20 is “Umoja Night: A Gathering of Light & Community. “Umoja” is the principle of Unity and following the performance, audience members are invited to mingle with the cast for munchies, sweets, music and conversation. The pre-show market again starts at 7:15.
And Day 3, Sunday December 21, is “Elders’ Night: Honoring the Pillars of Our Community.” The ceremonial pre-lighting of the Kinara will be followed by a tribute to the elders who led the way to Black cultural legacy of today. The pre-show market starts at 2:15, followed by the show at 3pm.
Get tickets here.