The Department of Theatre & Dance, through the generosity of David and Lowell Andreas in honor of their wife and mother, will host the following Artists in Residence during spring semester 2008. Most will include a public master class or public performance:
(West African/Ghanaian)—World Dance class March 25
Renowned drummer and dancer Francis Kofi descended from a long line of West African drum and dance heritage. He has performed and taught in North America, Europe, Asia and throughout Africa. Initially trained by his grandfather, master drummer and composer of Gbenordu Habrbor Troupe, Francis began his career as a performer at the age of six. He has been touring professionally since age fifteen as a master drummer, dancer and choreographer.
Kofi is an Ewe, of the Wotsi ("Waachi") sub-division in Togo. He has studied and performed extensively in various parts in Ghana, as well as in Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. His is accomplished in a vast repertoire of traditional drumming pieces and accompanying dances. Kofi has taught in the United States at several universities and in 1996-97 was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship/Artist-In-Residence at the State University of New York College at Fredonia.
For more information and performance locations, visit us back here often.
