Rescheduled: Black Girls' Anthem, March 31

Update posted January 27: This event has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 31, at 8:00 p.m.

Update posted January 25: This event has been postponed. Tickets will be honored on the new date.

Black Girls’ Anthem, presented by Rochester-based MJS Productions, will light up Buffalo State’s Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall on Saturday, March 31, at 8:00 p.m. The performance combines music, poetry, dance, and drama to illustrate the stories of six black women. Note: The original performance date was Saturday, January 28.

“Black Girls’ Anthem explores the themes of motherhood, relationships, sisterhood, love, empowerment, self-esteem, legacy, and more,” explained Melany J. Silas, the author and producer who also appears in the production.“It truly is a piece that embodies themes of empowerment, love, and an undying spirit of resilience.”

Silas said the concept for the choreo-poem started in 2006 when she played the role of “Lady in Orange” in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.

“Never before had I seen or experienced a dramatic interpretation of poetry,” Silas said. “Very shortly after the production, a vision of Black Girls’ Anthem was conceived. I felt very strongly that I, too, could tell the story of women through my poetry.”

Along with her theater work, Silas holds a master’s of divinity degree and serves an assistant professor of health and counseling at Monroe Community College. She also has written two books, Spiritual Pieces: Poetry for Every Season of Life and Wellness Within: Nuggets of Wisdom for Emotional Wellbeing.

Kate Washington, a musician and theater director, is directing Black Girls’ Anthem. In addition to Silas, the featured actresses include Degwanda (Dede) Gause, Deborah Solomon, Carlet Cleare, NaTasha House, and Katrina L. McFadden.

The performance at Buffalo State is part of a tour of the eastern United States that includes Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Georgia, and College Park, Maryland. 

Tickets are $35 for the general public, $30 for groups of 10 or more, and $25 for students. To order tickets, call (716) 878-3005 or go to www.buffalostate.edu/pac