Anita Prather as ‘Aunt Pearlie Sue’
A Christmas Taste of Gullah, featuring food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, a rice cook-off, kiddy games and family fun is planned for the first weekend in December in the historic city of Beaufort, S.C.
The rousing, original, full-stage musical, Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish, Freedom Comin’ will highlight the weekend. It is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 at the Center for the Arts, University of South Carolina Beaufort, 801 Carteret Street.
The set depicts a South Carolina plantation shortly after the state secedes from the Union. The anticipation of freedom is expressed by the servants through jubilant song and dance on stage. The performance is anchored by the artful story-telling of Aunt Pearlie Sue, portrayed by Anita Singleton Prather. The musical is intended for all people – of any age and any race. Performers hope to touch each audience member with the deep faith and loving spirit of the Gullah Geechee People.
Prather, “First Lady of Gullah” a.k.a. Chief Jiagie, was crowned January 7, 2020, 1st Female Mende paramount chief in Bo, Sierra Leone, West Africa. She is a veteran educator, ordained minister and nationally-acclaimed storyteller, actress and writer. She performed before the United Nations in 2016 and at the World Bank in Washington, DC. She has been featured on CNN’s Emmy winning, United Shades of America hosted by comedian Kamau Bell. She has appeared on the Food Network Channel, other television networks including SCETV and wrote, produced and starred in the film, My Man Done Me Wrong, which was screened at film festivals around the nation as well as internationally. Prather and the Gullah Kinfolk were also featured in the made-for-television film Circle Unbroken… From Africa to America.
Tickets for Friday’s performance may be purchased online at www.gullahkinfolktravelingtheater.org. Seating is limited and masks are required for the safety of all. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Admission is $15 for those aged 7 to 17. Information for out of town visitors regarding special hotel rate packages are available by contacting Phillip Carroway at 843-592-2573.
The weekend also features the annual “Night on the Town” — a downtown party of shopping bargains, entertainment and refreshments. It will include a boat parade Saturday evening at 6 at Beaufort’s Waterfront Park and the annual Christmas parade on Sunday at 3 p.m.
