For years, Brooks has been visiting public
schools, libraries and college classes throughout the southwestern United States
to teach about her favorite women of history. On Thursday, March 27, Brooks
will bring eight of those women to stage in debuting her one-woman show, “Traveling
Shoes.”
Presented by Dixie
State University Cultural Arts, Brooks says the show is created for viewers of
all ages and incorporates techniques of dramatization, characterization,
costume change and compelling live performance. And though the show has been
years in the making, it will be performed only once.
Selected to be included in her 90-minute stage
performance are women that Brooks says, “Circle my emotional wagon.” Characters
include the abolitionist orator Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman of the
underground railroad, Rosa Parks of the civil rights movement, Texas politician
Barbra Jordan, Utah pioneers Biddy Mason and Jane Manning, Buffalo Soldier
Cathay Williams, and New York congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. The first African-American
woman elected to Congress, Chisholm became the first female candidate for
President of the United States.
“All of these women were simply remarkable for
their time, and powerfully strong,” Brooks says. “They were visionary, they
were leaders, and they were all unafraid.”
“Traveling
Shoes” will undeniably teach, inspire, and empower audiences as Brooks employs
the soulful traditions of narrative, oration, and song and dance. “This
show is written to portray powerful, histories of courageous women, and to bring
their wit and wisdom to life,” Brooks says. “To be intelligent, to be articulate, to lead, and to have
the courage to hold power as a women is inherent.”
Brooks believes
passionately that these attributes come from a long line of women in history,
and can be cultivated by simply “taking pause and looking back.”
According to
Brooks, “This show is not about acting.” After years of biographical portrayal,
she says, “I have learned from these women of history that I have to remove
myself in order for the characters to reveal themselves. This production is
about calling up the essence of the women I am portraying, and allowing their
characters to come alive on stage.”
To be performed in the Eccles Concert Hall, Christina
Schultz, Dixie State University Vice President of Institutional Advancement
says of the show, “We look forward to being educated and enlightened as we
learn about the eight courageous women depicted in this production and the
important impact they have had on American history.” According to Schultz, “Dixie
State University is pleased to present Janice Brooks in this very special
performance.”
Brooks is a
professional speaker, public affairs consultant, business executive, community
activist, freelance writer and professional storyteller. At completion of her
contract as CEO at southern Utah’s renowned Green
Valley Spa, she is devoting her creative energy and passion to compiling a book
of personal essays and poems, designing and producing corporate literary and
motivational events, and accepting public speaking engagements.
Having
served six years (two as Vice-Chairman) for the Clark County Housing Authority
in Nevada, Brooks also served as chairman of the Commissioner’s Committee for
the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. For her
dedication and service to the Las Vegas community, “Janice Brooks Bay,” an
affordable housing development, was named in her honor. She has served on
numerous community and civic boards, has authored two books and produces
society and literary columns for readers in her community.
Presented
by Dixie State University Cultural Arts, “Traveling Shoes” is creatively
designed and performed by Janice Brooks and is produced by Chase Nichter. The
one-woman show is will be performed Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m., at the Eccles
Concert Hall. Tickets are $7 and are now on sale at the Dixie State University
Box Office, or online at dsutix.com.
Show Description
Traveling Shoes: A One-woman Show
Creatively designed and performed by
Janice Brooks
Presented by Dixie State University Cultural Arts
Step back in time and experience the powerful,
dramatic, living histories of eight courageous women of American history.
Written to bring the wisdom and wit of Utah Slave matrons Biddy Mason and Jane
Manning to life, as well as the courage and diligence of historical heroines
like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Buffalo Solider Cathay Williams, Rosa
Parks and Barbara Jordan. Through dramatization and characterization, these
women will teach and inspire you, empower you, and carry you away through the
traditions of narrative and song. A resilient reenactment.
Tickets now on sale at the Dixie
State University Box Office, or online at dsutix.com.
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