Imani Uzuri: Lincoln Center Offstage
Goals
- Experience a piece of music inspired by a poem
- Deepen the experience through reflection, poetry, and art-making
- Explore the theme of self love
Scroll down for a video and corresponding activities. You can replay the link for reference as you experience the activities below.
Performance Video
This clip features composer / singer Imani Uzuri who is accompanied by a violinist. As an artist, she speaks about being inspired by African American spirituals and freedom songs. Building off of these forms, she strives to make music that is full of hope and liberation.
This song was inspired by the words of writer Zora Neale Hurston "I Love Myself When I'm Laughing". This clip was filmed as part of Lincoln Center's Offstage series. It was filmed at the landmark Harlem venue, Silvana cafe.
Activity Video
This clip will take you through the activities with a facilitator. You can choose to watch the video and do the activities along with it. Or, you can read the activities and participate by scrolling down.
Warm Up
Photo Credit: Kevin Yatarola
Listen to the music.
Take a deep breath in for two counts and out for two counts. Take a deep breath in for four counts and out for four counts.
Continue breathing as you stretch your arms out to the sides, then bring them into your chest as though you are giving yourself a hug.
Continue to breathe and stretch as you listen to the music. Move to the music.
Reflection / Discussion
What do you notice about the performers?
What are they wearing?
What instruments do you notice?
How do they move their body while they sing and play? What are their facial expressions?
What do you notice about the space they are in?
2. Listen to the words.
What words stand out to you?
What do you notice about the words?
How do the words make you feel?
3. Listen to the music.
How would you describe the violin throughout the song?
How would you describe the quality of the singer's voice?
How does the music make you feel?
Create a Poem
This song was inspired by the words of writer Zora Neale Hurston "I Love Myself When I'm Laughing". Create your own poem. Fill in the blanks and your own poem inspired by these words. You can write out the words on a piece of paper or use the file attached below.
Art-Making
Option One
Supplies: Paper and Writing Utensil
Write or draw a picture of yourself.
Re-read the poem that you created earlier.
Add images and words based on your writing.
Example: I outlined my hand to represent a drawing of myself. I read my poem. I added in some of the words and images from my poem (nature, serene, ocean).
Option Two
Supplies: Photograph, Tape or Glue, Paper, and Writing Utensil
Find a photograph of yourself. Adhere it onto a paper with tape or glue.
Re-read the poem that you created earlier.
Add images and words based on your writing.
Explore More
Extension Questions:
Do you have a favorite poem?
How could you take your poem and turn it into a song? What instruments would you want to use?
How would this song change if there was a different instrument playing?
Additional Links:
To learn more about Imani Uzuri, click here.
To learn more about Zora Neale Hurston, click here.
To watch more videos from Lincoln Center at Home clips, click here.
Share:
Tell us what you think! Email us at access@lincolncenter.org to share your thoughts on the activities and website. Post photos of your art projects using the hashtag #LincolnCenterAtHome.