We Are Proud to Present...
This unique story forces the audience to reconsider their role in oppression and racism and to reflect on the not so unique history that has brought us to this point. It shows us that without constant education, conversation, and collective movement we can see those horrors of the past, again.
Proud to Present is a show that Sabrina hopes will set the precedent for the rest of their career and the work they do, making world shifting art with people who are passionate about telling difficult and challenging stories.
Ohorokova:
This garment is a central piece of Proud to Present. The Ohorokova is a dress born out of the history of the Herero tribe in Namibia who survived genocide and oppression at the hands of the German settlers. But it is not a byproduct of that oppression, instead it is a signal to the rest of the world that the Herero women claimed from western Victorian fashion and redefined as a tool for education and resilience. The dresses are still worn today, each one handmade with bold prints and often worn with a horned hat called a Otjikaiva in reverence to the cows that were central to Herero culture. Therefore, the Ohorokova is a central piece in this Purchase College production because although it was created after the events focused on in the script it is the best representation of Herero culture and power and of Black beauty and pride.
Production Photos
Photos by: Dj Fralin & Zoe Markwalter
Cast Credits
Actor 1/White Man | Sean Gordon
Actor 2/Black Man | Nahiem Paris
Actor 3/Another White Man | John Richard Mateyko
Actor 4/Another Black Man | Mekai Mack
Actor 5/Sarah | Emily Dziak
Actor 6/Black Woman | Sephora Lebete
Production Team
Directed by Raz Golden
Stage Management by Madi Morrissey
Costume Design by Sabrina Ehrnstein
Costume Design Assistant and Wardrobe Supervision by Han German
Scenic Design by Abbie Perez
Props by Quentin Zhengxue
Technical direction by Kyle McMahon
Lighting Design by James Deng
Projection design by Marshall Peace
Sound Design by Meredith Young
Composer Mario Gutierrez