ABOUT
Roots & Wings expands, formalizes, deepens and elevates the work of the fall 2014 production of the Smoketown Poetry Opera - a unique theatrical performance produced by ArtPlace America grantee IDEAS xLab (formerly IDEAS 40203) with Louisville artist Lance Newman, and Black spoken word artists, filmmakers, dancers, musicians and DJ.
Roots & Wings - supported by ArtPlace America and led by Bridge Kids International, The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, the Kentucky Center, and IDEAS xLab - featured a group of Black artists as they explored the links between traditional West African and Appalachian cultures and conduct peer-to-peer writing, music and performance workshops in the “Zones of Hope” neighborhoods.
The two-year collaboration included the creation of the West End Poetry Opera and The Blood Always Returns, which was informed and inspired by a journey to Senegal, West African by the group in 2016.
Roots and Wings was Co-Directed by Stacy Bailey-Ndiaye (Executive Director, Bridge Kids International) and Theo Edmonds (Co-Founder of IDEAS xLab).
View Roots & Wings Original Production of the "West End Poetry Opera"