Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 8/30/00
      Contact:                           Christina Chapple   92

SLU DRAMA RETELLS AFRICAN CREATION MYTH
     HAMMOND   The Chakula Cha Jua Theatre Company of New Orleans will bring its
production of "Origin of Life on Earth -- An African Creation Myth," a drama based on an
award-winning children's book, to Southeastern on September 27.
     A performance for the general public, hosted by Southeastern's Office of Multicultural
and International Student Affairs, is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Pottle Music Building Auditorium,
said Director Pat Ojo. A special performance for area schools only is scheduled for 10 a.m., Ojo
said.
     Admission for the general public is $3, free for Southeastern faculty, staff and students.
Admission for the schools' performance is $1 (accompanying teachers free). 
     The production tells of a time when there were only two domains -- the sky above and the
water below -- and of the adventures of Obatala, a deity who descends from the sky to create the
world. David Anderson's award-winning book was praised for "furnishing a bridge to the past
and a spiritual connection in which today's youth, especially minorities, can take pride and find
self esteem."
     "Origin of Life on Earth" is produced by AKUA Productions and is directed by Carol
Bebelle. It is supported in part by funds from the Louisiana State Arts Council and the Louisiana
Division of the Arts, by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge through the Decentralized Arts
Funding Program, and by the Southeastern College of Arts and Sciences and the Multicultural
and International Student Affairs Office.
     For additional information, call Ojo at 549-3850.
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu./NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsm00.htm