Reanae McNeal to Perform Her Acclaimed Play, Don’t Speak My Mother’s Name in Vain, at Ramapo College
(Mahwah) – Reanae McNeal, an internationally-known performing artist and vocalist, will perform her one-woman show, Don’t Speak My Mother’s Name in Vain, at Ramapo College of New Jersey Wednesday, October 9, at 7 p.m. in the Sharp Theater. The performance is sponsored by the Ramapo College Women’s Center.
Don’t Speak My Mother’s Name In Vain portrays eight characters, covering a range of situations faced by African-American women throughout time. This powerful show uses vignettes, dance and song to trace the experience of African-American women through a wide range of contexts, linked by the thread of interpersonal and institutional violence. Herself a survivor of sexual assault, McNeal shows sensitivity to women’s issues that surround the intersection of race, class and sexuality. Each character invites members of the audience to understand their own emotions, stereotypes and prejudices.
McNeal is a published poet and award-winning playwright. Her play, Slave Shout, won the 1995 Texas History Drama competition and placed sixth in the 1996 National History Drama competition. She is a highly sought-after motivational speaker. Her favorite motto is, “When we reach our dreams, we serve our purpose.” Her motivational tape, “Let the Healing Begin,” has served as an inspiration as well as a mechanism for healing many hurting women. She has lectured extensively on how race, sex and class issues play a major role in the oppression of women, especially as it pertains to African-American women and has been a guest speaker at many of the top colleges and universities in the country.
Admission to Don’t Speak My Mother’s Name in Vain is free. The Sharp Theater is located in the Berrie Center at Ramapo College. For additional information, call (201) 684-7844.
