Whispers of Jubilee is a children's book written by Veronica Gonmiah, co-founder of Aurway Repertory Theatre.
Officials said the piece was initially conceived with Vanguard Theater for their first Juneteenth event in 2021. Veronica Gonmiah and Lawrence Dandridge have since developed it into the piece presented this month.
The book details the origin story of Juneteenth through the eyes of young children. The Whispers of Jubilee presentations include live music and dance that both support the story's narration and are also reflective of the culture and time period where this story takes place.
These events are kid-friendly and free of charge, according to officials.
Aurway is excited to present WHISPERS OF JUBILEE: A Journey to Juneteenth at various locations around Essex County from June 17-19th, 2022:
-June 17th at Newark Arts High School (Private Event),
-June 18th at the Newark Museum Community Day
-June 19th at the Vanguard Theater.
Whispers is directed by Lawrence Dandridge, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Aurway. Lawrence is currently on tour with the Broadway hit musical "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations" and conducted many rehearsals virtually to bring this piece to life.
This show includes original music and arrangements by Dandridge.
The cast includes Alneesha Moret Harris, Martin Carpenter, Lawrence Dandridge, K Bernice, Marcus Beckett, Brittany Lindsey, Nigel Finley, Veronica Gonmiah, Marquis McGhee and Olivia Ridley, featuring Jasir Quddus, Jada Clark, Isaiah Tomlinson, Kazoani Gonmiah, Walalehnon Gonmiah and Sol Lecour.
In 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, making all enslaved people free. But while the war went on, many enslaved people had still not gotten word of the good news. Follow Keziah and her brother, Charles, as they experience the very first Juneteenth, on June 19th, 1865.
Physical copies of the "Whispers of Jubilee" book will be available for purchase at the events. Preorders can also be made on our website Aurway.org
RSVP for the Newark Museum Juneteenth Community Day Here -
Tickets: Free
Date: Saturday, June 18th
Performance: 1:00pm.
Juneteenth at the NMOA will be an outdoor festival inspired by Harriet Tubman, featuring performers, artists, and dancers from the Black community across New Jersey.
RSVP for Whispers Of Jubilee Presented at the Vanguard Theater Here
Tickets: Free
Date: Sunday, June 19th
Performance: 1:00pm