Inspired by the words and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., We Shall Overcome showcases repertoire from across the African-American music traditions with interwoven spoken word from Dr. King’s recorded speeches. This production ties together a living lineage of music and culture that includes traditional gospel, modern gospel, classical, jazz, and Broadway. From Aretha Franklin, to Wynton Marsalis; Duke Ellington to Stevie Wonder; Nina Simone to Donny Hathaway; and traditional spirituals and music from “The Wiz.”
The composer, Damien Sneed, holds a unique understanding of each genre that allows the company to fluidly cover so much musical ground in a single performance.