The Tufts University Department of Theatre, Dance and Performance studies presents the first of seven performances of “Almanac,” a new, original musical on the creation and preservation of Black American music. “Almanac” asks, “What is the true price of cultural and artistic agency for the Black American Artist?” and “How can we define ‘Black Art’?” Now more than ever, the artistic universe is seeking to build a more just, equitable, and inclusive arts industry. “Almanac” is a project that stands on the shoulders of decades worth of Black scholars who dedicated their lives and careers to devising their own definitions of “Black Art.”

With a vibrant, electrifying score by composer/lyricist team Harrison Clark and Ben Mizrach and direction by TDPS Professor of the Practice Maurice Emmanuel Parent, “Almanac” sits at the intersection of two equally pressing issues facing modern American artists: it provides an opportunity to dissect and make sense of the past, while simultaneously looking forward to a reimagined future. The production will feature the performance of Act I and selected songs from Act II.

All tickets are $2 for this Public Preview performance and may be purchased through the Tufts online ticket office: https://tuftsdramadancetickets.universitytickets.com/

Additional performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5; 8 p.m on Saturday, November 6; 8 p.m. on Friday, November 12; 3 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 13; and 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 14.