Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Ashley Jackson, Premieres Documentary “In Song and Spirit: A Musical Documentary”

Conceived by harpist Dr. Ashley Jackson, In Song and Spirit, is a musical documentary based on Harriet Jacobs’s memoir, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Dr. Jackson also weaves in stories from her own family history alongside live performances of African American spirituals. The film explores themes of migration, black womanhood, and the empowering role of collective memory in the preservation of African American Culture.

This musical documentary features live performances of the spirituals Deep River and I’m Troubled in Mind, both arranged by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and transcribed by Dr. Jackson. This film also features vocalist Freddie June and is shot and directed by filmmaker Malik Isasis. This premiere will be followed by a talkback moderated by the founder of Harlem Chamber Players, Liz Player. Reserve your ticket for the talkback here.