Lee Harper's Buckhead Dance Studio Hosts Cast Members from Africa Umoja

Noted Atlanta dancer and choreographer Lee Harper welcomed members of the global musical sensation Africa Umoja to her Buckhead dance studio this week in advance of the show’s arrival in Atlanta Nov. 25. Four dancers and two drummers came to Atlanta in preparation for the performances at the Rialto Center for the Arts and rehearsed at Lee Harper Studios.

The Atlanta performances, scheduled for Tuesday-Sunday, Nov. 25-30, 2014, are part of a worldwide “20 Years of Freedom and Democracy” tour (www.umojausatour.com). The high-energy musical tells the story of South Africa through song, storytelling, dance and drama, performed by an all-South African cast of 32 men and women. Shows will be held at 8 p.m. each night at the Rialto Center for the Arts downtown, 80 Forsyth Street, 30303 (http://rialto.gsu.edu/), and tickets range from $53 - $88, with group ticket pricing available. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Rialto Center’s box office at (404) 413-9849.

“Umoja” means “together” in the Zulu language. It was chosen as the name of this uplifting production by co-writers Todd Twala and Thembi Nyandeni, with music by Mariam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and others, to symbolize the struggle of all South Africans to find a way to live together in cooperation and respect. It also embodies the mission of the show’s creators to empower underprivileged youths and expand their opportunities.

Africa Umoja is presented by South Africa Airlines and the International Arts Foundation of New Orleans (www.internationalartsfoundation.com). Founded over 25 years ago to promote the benefits of cultural diversity through community projects and economic development, the Foundation has expanded its focus to include art, education and international exchange, using music, dance, song and folklore to enrich communities.