Recommended for grades 3-12

In 1739, Africans enslaved in South Carolina used their drums to start a revolt—a little-known event that forever transformed African American life and culture. When the Stono Rebellion cost Africans the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people—the Drumfolk. This led to some of our country’s most distinct traditions like the ring shout, tap, and stepping. Step Afrika!’s highly interactive and energetic performances for students are both educational and unforgettable! 

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Teacher & Student Resources

Find educational resources in the tabs below to use before and after the performance.

Pre-event Slideshow for the In-person Audience

Learn about the company, being in the theater, and more.

Pre-event Slideshow for the On-demand audience

Learn about the company, the performance, and more.

Write a Review

Use this writing activity for students to evaluate the performance in a review format.

Ask students to imagine that they are an arts critic for the school newspaper. They are going to write a review of the performance to inform others about what they experienced. They should describe with detail and accuracy:

  • What they saw 
  • What they heard 
  • What the performance was about (in their opinion) or the story it conveyed 
  • How the performance made them feel 
  • What the performance reminded them of 
  • What their favorite part was and why 
  • Would they recommend it and why

Remind the students that they must paint a picture of the experience with their words so that others who did not see the performance can imagine it as vividly as possible.

 

Connect with the company

Supported by The Givens Foundation

The Givens Foundation for African American Literature logo

Acknowledgments

Minnesota State Arts Board - logos

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

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