The Underground Performing Arts Collective, along with its partner First Baptist Church of Hampton, invites the public to celebrate the accomplishments of Black women in its production of Black Girl Magic. Black Girl Magic coincides with UPAC’s mission to empower and inspire audiences by shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of Black women. This tour is a testament of the collective's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the performing arts, and it is sure to leave a lasting impact.
Written and compiled by Sharon Cook with original music by Roberta Lea, this powerful show combines poetry, monologues, music, dance, and conventional drama with film to reveal the journey of Sister, a young Black woman struggling to find a place of acceptance in the world. Guided by her Ancestors, Sister comes to a place of self-reconciliation and acceptance as she is given a glimpse into the lives and legacy of Black women, past and present.
Director and choreographer Jennifer Kelly-Cooper, who has been a part of this production since its inception in 2020, holds a BA from Howard University and MA from Regent. She is a choreographer, dancer, actress, and director whose most recent directorial projects include the regional premier of Iola’s Letter: The Memphis Crusade of Ida B. Wells at Little Theatre of Norfolk and A Motown Christmas in which she served as Assistant Director and Choreographer.
Jennifer hopes is that audiences will leave Black Girl Magic with an understanding of what Black women and girls have faced throughout history and continue to endure today. “I want audiences to feel their joy and pain and leave the theater wanting to learn more about them as well as wanting to reclaim their own personal journeys,” said Jennifer Kelly-Cooper.
This Women’s History Month we invite you to celebrate and honor the magic and accomplishments of Black women who have made significant impacts in the world. From activists and artists to scientists and entrepreneurs, Black women have played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history.