Built From the Fire: A Talking Book | Capri Theatre
Arts
Victor Luckerson, an esteemed author and National Magazine Award nominee from Montgomery, AL, is teaming up with close third, a collective arts organization, to present a captivating live concert at the renowned Capri Theatre in October. The concert, known as Built From the Fire: A Talking Book, will feature talented musicians and artists from Montgomery who will use their creativity to draw parallels between Tulsa's historic Greenwood District, famously known as "Black Wall Street," and Montgomery. Inspired by Luckerson's acclaimed book, Built From the Fire, which has received rave reviews from publications like the New York Times and the Washington Post, this event aims to challenge the narrative that reduces the black experience to trauma.
The concert will showcase the unique perspectives of featured artists, including Sunshine, the Poet, Jacquline Allen Trimble, gregMIKE, and Poetess Zora, who will expand on the intellectual and narrative elements of Built From the Fire. Amon Robinson and his combo will provide musical accompaniment to each artist's performance, creating a truly immersive experience. The show will be further enhanced by video vignettes featuring commentary from Luckerson and captivating photography by local artists from Tulsa and Montgomery.
Drawing inspiration from influential works like The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and OutKast's Aquemini, the creative team behind this concert aims to empower the audience, encouraging them to reflect on their own agency during times of transition, such as the Civil Rights Movement or the recent George Floyd protests. The event will commence on October 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capri Theater in Montgomery, with tickets priced at $15. Each ticket includes a copy of Victor Luckerson's book, Built From the Fire. Following the show, there will be a panel discussion featuring the performing artists and a book signing by Luckerson.
Victor Luckerson, an author and journalist committed to shedding light on neglected black history, has received widespread recognition for his debut book, Built From the Fire. With his extensive background in writing for esteemed publications like The New Yorker, the New York Times, and Smithsonian magazine, Luckerson relocated to Tulsa in 2019 to delve into the story of Greenwood from the perspective of survivors and descendants of the race massacre. Published by Random House in May 2023, Built From the Fire has been praised for its absorbing narrative and comprehensive research, offering a multifaceted account of a community that refuses to be silenced.
close third, an arts management and community engagement organization, aims to bridge the gap between artist and audience, creating hybrid spaces that foster connection and understanding. Composed of creatives specializing in various art forms, community engagement, and commerce, close third is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant cultural landscape.