This past week my son and I were invited back the The New Victory Theater to see “Drumfolk”. First, I must say as we ended black history month I had no idea that I would learn so much and be so moved coming to review this show. I was on tears through the whole performance, both happy and sad, and it was so important for my little guy to see.  

Drumfolk takes place in 1730’s and paints a picture of what it is like to be black in the South during that time. My son is currently 

learning about segregation in the South circa 1950's.  I was happy to be able to connect the dots between the two time periods to show 

him how racism evolved to what it is today. This play captured my 12 year olds attention because it showed how the African culture 

that was ripped away from the slaves morphed into what African American culture is today, which musically is something that he can 

appreciate.  He enjoyed watching the beatboxer preform solely from his mouth. It was an interesting history lesson to realize that 

beatboxing, rap, and step dancing was something that stemmed from the 1700’s when the slaves had their drums taken away when 

the Negro Act was passed.

After seeing this show, Dav and I spent most of the rest of the day talking about racism and how it’s alive and well today. It was both a 

learning and bonding moment we shared together as it is not always easy talking about the hard stuff.  I can not put down in words the 

power that these performers presented on stage. It may sound like a clique and if I may say, I truly felt the presence of their ancestors in 

The New Victory theater that day.  It was surely a memorable experience to put in the books as another successful date with my son.  

To order tickets to see this show click here.