Cheyney.edu: 'The Spirit of Harriet Tubman': Two Performances Coming to Cheyney University Feb. 19, 2014

Actor/playwright/dancer/choreographer/singer Leslie McCurdy will perform as Harriet Tubman twice on February 19 at Cheyney University

Sebronette Barnes-Aborom sends this release:

Cheyney University

Angelitta Anderson

February 12, 2014

On Wednesday, February 19, 2014, the Cheyney University Arts and Lectures Series opens its Spring 2014 season with two performance of the historical drama “The Spirit of Harriet Tubman.” Actress Leslie McCurdy will perform her one-woman tribute to Harriet Tubman at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Marian Anderson Music Center Auditorium.

With only a trunk of costumes and a barren stage as her landscape, McCurdy will mesmerize the audience by portraying the life of the famous Underground Railroad conductor-- recreating familiar stories and some rarely told.

While there are many plays about Tubman the abolitionist, humanitarian, and American bondswoman, none of them share her entire life story like this production, which McCurdy has been doing for 17 years.  This is, however, her first time peforming at a historically black college.

“I hope the audience will enjoy my performance and get all the things that impressed me about Harriet Tubman like overcoming insurmountable obstacles, not forgetting your faith, and holding onto your belief,” McCurdy says. According to the actor/playwright/dancer/choreographer/singer, “Harriet Tubman is my personal hero and she was a woman of profound belief and we all must know that what we want will come to us as long as we hold on to our faith.”

Born into slavery in Maryland, Tubman not only ran away alone to escape slavery, but returned to the south 19 times to lead over 300 slaves to freedom in the northern United States and Canada. Unable to rest as long as there are those who need guidance, “The Spirit of Harriet Tubman” returns time and time again sharing her story and the things she learned along the way.

“The Arts and Lecture Series strives to expose students to a diverse roster of international and national speakers, visual and performing artists for the purpose of cultural enrichment,” explains Dr. Sebronette Barnes-Aborom, Director of the Arts and Lectures Series. “The experiences gained from exposure to “A” caliber speakers and artists help to prepare students to compete in a global society with knowledge of and appreciation for diverse cultural practices.”

Tickets for the two performances are available at www.cheyney.ticketleap.com or at the door. Cheyney University students, faculty and staff get in free with ID. For the outside public, the cost is $20 for adults and $10 for youth and non-Cheyney students. Tickets may be purchased at the box office one hour before each program. Refunds and exchanges are not permitted. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start time and parking is free. For more information, call 610-399-2365.