Exploring Racial Dynamics in 'Living in Color' Showcase Led by Angus Williams

Drawing from the evocative pieces 'We Cry Together' by Kendrick Lamar and the cinematic work of Sam Levinson in Malcolm & Marie, the creator, singer-songwriter, and MCAS '25 student Angus Williams sets the stage for this year's Living in Color showcase. Exploring the complex realties of interpersonal and societal relationships within the Black community, Williams curates an evening of diverse artistic expression.

Integrating Art Forms for a Captivating Experience

Rather than spreading the event over multiple days, Williams chose to concentrate this year's Living in Color into a powerful one-night affair. To tell the story of racial tension through variegated lenses, a rich tapestry of artists including poets, dancers, vocalists, and musicians joined forces, bringing two poets, two dance performers, four vocalists, the Waaw Waaw Boston College group, a violinist, a bassist, and two pianists together. Each contributor is bound by a commitment to their craft and the message it conveys.

Narratives Unfold in Thematic Chapters

The showcase unfolds over five thematic chapters, namely dissonance, realization, anger, healing, and continuation. This structured flow creates a sequential dialogue, punctuated by performances that include poetry readings, dance routines, vocal performances, and instrumental improvisations. The thematic planning, begun since last semester, is a collaborative effort overseen by Williams and his manager and co-producer Brian Kazinduka, MCAS '25.

The Creative Process and Community

Rehearsals for the showcase not only prepare the artists but also foster a community. Each session begins with participants sharing their hopes and concerns in a circle, emphasizing the event's collective nature. The choreography for the dance performances involves blending different styles, pairing with poetry, and embodying the emotion of anger, encouraging unity through artistic diversity. The poetry, described as the show's heart, grounds the production, with poets Benedita Zalabantu, MCAS '25, and Alioune Diba, LSEHD '25, crafting pieces that resonate with the showcase's themes.

The Vision Behind the Showcase

Williams, with true passion and commitment, seeks to offer an event that uniquely represents the Black experience through artistic performance. The event's planners aim to engage the audience interactively, with Q&As and refreshments to complement the theatrical display. Williams underscores that the showcase does not seek to provide resolution but rather to share ways of coping with the ongoing struggles faced by the Black community.

showcase, community, tension