WHO: Swahili for “step by step,” Haba na Haba is an internationally renowned Kenyan performance group that first formed in the slums of Nairobi, using acrobatics, music, dance and drama to raise awareness and educate their communities on topics such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, reproductive health, women’s issues and violence. Today the group has spread to seven areas and includes more than 200 members.
WHAT: “Co-existence,” a performance based on recent ethnic conflicts in Kenya, which arose following disputed elections.
WHERE: Washington University’s 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., in University City.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, March 20
COST: Free and open to the public
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: George Ndiritu, director of Haba na Haba; Reynolds Whalen, WUSTL alumnus whose honors thesis included production of a documentary about the group; and Robert Henke, chair of Washington University’s Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences.
HIGHLIGHTS: Haba na Haba is visiting St. Louis through March 23, during which time they will conduct a variety of performances and community events. In addition to “Co-existence,” throughout the week group members will visit Washington University classes in African and African-American Studies, lead workshops for the Performing Arts Department, and conduct workshops in a number of St. Louis public schools. The group also will present a free outdoor improvisational performance on the South 40 “Swamp” of the university’s Danforth Campus, at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19.
To arrange an interview or to tape b-roll, call Liam Otten at (314) 935-8494 or email liam_otten@wustl.edu.
