Denver Public Library Urban Bush Women

The Denver Public Library recommends these library resources to enhance your theater experience.

READ

Hands on the Freedom Plow by Faith S. Holsaert

The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement. In this book, 52 women—northern, southern, urban, rural, black, white, and Latina—share their personal stories of working for the SNCC.

WATCH

Women’s Work: An African American Dance Company (2000)

Watch Urban Bush Women in action as they conduct workshops and perform on stage, raising and promoting personal awareness during their residency in Richmond, Virginia. Stream it on Kanopy, free to all Denver residents with your library card.

LISTEN 

To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story by Nina Simone

Simone’s style embodied a wide range of influences and DiscTwo in particular covers the period between 1968-69, starting with the protest song “Mississippi Goddam” penned in 1963 after the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing. A black power icon, Ms. Simone embodies her truth with her soul wrenching voice and makes you feel what she feels. Her music can be seen as a complement to this groundbreaking and women centering production.

DOWNLOAD

Movement (R)evolution Africa, dir. Alla Kovgan and Joan Frosch (2007)

This documentary traces the emotionally complex expressions of self from nine choreographers, challenging stereotypes and encouraging new ways to think about the meaning of African in African dance. Thoughtful commentary from the artists themselves is interspersed with dance clips as they examine traditions, navigate the post-modern dance world amidst their own political and cultural contexts. Stream it on Kanopy, free to all Denver residents with your library card.

Swing Time by Zadie Smith

Two young girls become friends at a dance class. One adores the elegance in movement, especially the steps in old-time movies, but lacks the talent and medals of the other. The two search for a tribe of their own while navigating competition and adulthood.