Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston [2007]
Programming Ideas
Even though Hurston's classic was published in 1937, she was a significant figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Program ideas can be based on the creative work (literature, art, dance and social commentary) that came out of that important time period in history.
PROGRAM IDEAS CONNECTED TO THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE:
· Voices of the Harlem Renaissance. An overview of the culture and context that produced this literary movement. Readings of poets and authors who were the center of this movement will be connected to historical events that shaped this prominent time period. Contact: Americana Lectures at 201-370-3097 or www.AmericanaLectures.com
· The jazz scene was very influential during the Harlem Renaissance. WBGO 88.3FM-Jazz 88 (www.wbgo.org) is a publicly supported local jazz station whose website has an extensive calendar of events.
· The Great Jazz Entertainers. Film archivist and historian, Michael Chertok, focuses on, among others, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong. Contact: Michael Chertok, 100 South Main St., New City, NY 10956. Phone: 845-461-7986. Fee: $200.00
· Ragtime, Blues & Piano. Outstanding jazz pianist featuring music by 1920's composers including Jelly Roll Morton. Contact: Mark Birnbaum at 212-802-8380 or Email Website: www.ragtimemarkbirnbaum.com Fee: $450.00
As well as being involved in the Harlem Renaissance, Hurston can be viewed as the first in a succession of great African American Women writers; she has been followed by such great authors as: Ida B Wells, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison and Terry McMillan to name but a few.
PROGRAM IDEAS CONNECTED TO AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN WRITERS:
· Americana Lectures www.AmericanaLectures.com have a program on Black American Women Authors and a program on Women's Literature.
· How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan could be considered a contemporary "companion" title. It also deals with older/women younger/man relationships. The two titles could be compared and contrasted as well as how these types of relationships were received in the 1930s versus in today's society.