The DC Public Library Foundation and the C anady Foundation for the Arts will present the \;world premiere theatr ical adaptation of \;Born on the Water\, based on the acclaimed childr en&rsquo\;s book by \;Nikole Hannah-Jones and René\;e Watson&nbs p\;from \;The 1619 Project. Directed by \;Tony Award&ndash\;nomina ted producer and multi-hyphenate artist Marjuan Canady\, the production is brought to life by the \;CFA Repertory Theatre \;and is recommend ed for audiences \;ages 5 and up.
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This inaugural stage production reimagines the book&rsqu o\;s poetic language\, historical resonance\, and striking imagery as a vi brant\, immersive performance. Blending storytelling\, music\, and dance\, \;Born on the Water \;invites young audiences and families into a powerful theatrical experience that celebrates history\, imagination\, an d cultural memory.
\nThe Canady Foundation for the Arts will present the first-ever theatrical performance of Bor n \;on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson\, the powerful children&rsquo\;s book f rom the landmark 1619 Project. Directed by Tony-nominated producer and mul ti-hyphenate artist Marjuan Canady and brought to life by the CFA Repertory Theatre\, this production is designed for kids ages 5 and up.
\nThis premiere stage adaptation transforms
the book&rsquo\;s rich history\, poetic language\, and vivid imagery into
an immersive experience featuring dynamic storytelling\, music\, and dance
&mdash\;offering an educational and culturally enriching performance for a
udiences of all ages.
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\nThe \;Canady \;Foundation \;for \;t he \;Arts (CFA) is dedicated to enriching young lives through arts education\, performance opportunities\, and mentorship. By prioritiz ing \;theatre for young audiences and amplifying voices of color\, CFA cultivates \;the \;next generation of artists\, storytellers\, an d changemakers.
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The 1619 Project&rsquo\;s lyrical picture book in verse chronicles the consequences of slavery and the hist ory of Black resistance in the United States\, thoughtfully rendered by Pu litzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winn ing author René\;e Watson.
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A young student re
ceives a family tree assignment in school\, but she can only trace back th
ree generations. Grandma gathers the whole family\, and the student learns
that 400 years ago\, in 1619\, their ancestors were stolen and brought to
America by white slave traders.
But before that\, they had
a home\, a land\, a language. She learns how the people said to be born on
the water survived.
With powerful verse and striking illust
rations by \;Nikkolas Smith\, \;Born on the Water \;provides a
pathway for readers of all ages to reflect on the origins of American ide
ntity.