Recommended for grades 3-12

In 1739, Africans enslaved in South Carolina used their drums to start a revolt—a little-known event that forever transformed African American life and culture. When the Stono Rebellion cost Africans the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people—the Drumfolk. This led to some of our country’s most distinct traditions like the ring shout, tap, and stepping. Step Afrika!’s highly interactive and energetic performances for students are both educational and unforgettable! 

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Event Information

  • Thu, Oct 12 * & Fri, Oct 13, 10:30 am CT
    In-person / Livestream
    On-demand through Oct 20
  • This event will be captioned, with other accessibility services available upon request.
  • Detailed Event Information and Streaming Access: Education contacts, check your email for detailed information the week prior to the event.

 

If you have questions, contact matinees@umn.edu. If you need assistance with your tickets, please call the box office at 612-624-2345.

sensory friendly icon - lotus flowerSensory Friendly Lounge

A Sensory Friendly Lounge equipped with sensory supports and staffed by trained volunteers will be available to all guests who are seeking a safe and soothing atmosphere during this and other select performances. Learn more on the Accessibility Services page.

Teacher & Student Resources

Find educational resources in the tabs below to use before and after the performance.

Pre-event Slideshow for the In-person Audience

Learn about the company, being in the theater, and more.

Pre-event Slideshow for the On-demand audience

Learn about the company, the performance, and more.

Write a Review

Use this writing activity for students to evaluate the performance in a review format.

Ask students to imagine that they are an arts critic for the school newspaper. They are going to write a review of the performance to inform others about what they experienced. They should describe with detail and accuracy:

  • What they saw 
  • What they heard 
  • What the performance was about (in their opinion) or the story it conveyed 
  • How the performance made them feel 
  • What the performance reminded them of 
  • What their favorite part was and why 
  • Would they recommend it and why

Remind the students that they must paint a picture of the experience with their words so that others who did not see the performance can imagine it as vividly as possible.

 

Connect with the company

Supported by The Givens Foundation

The Givens Foundation for African American Literature logo

Acknowledgments

Minnesota State Arts Board - logos

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Learn More About Northrop's K-12 Programs

In-person and on-demand to fit any schedule