What a perfect Friday night for a history major with a concentration in African American studies. Drumfolk shares the story that takes us back to when South Carolina passed The Negro Act of 1740 which would change the life of African Americans forever. The Negro Act prohibited slaves from reading, moving freely, gathering in groups, growing their own food, and even having their own instruments. However, Drumfolk showed the audience that they can take away the drums but they cannot stop the beat.
The opening song of the performance sings 'They took away the drums but they could not stop the beat', meaning that although African Americans have been stripped away from their rights they will continue to fight. The performers did not need the beat of the drum in order to have music, they created their own with themselves. By stomping and tapping on the ground simultaneously, the performers were their own instruments. With very few props such a tambourine, maracas, and sticks the performers revealed that we can use our own bodies to make music. My personal favorite part was towards the end of the show when the performers incorporated beatboxing. It was astonishing to take a moment to realize that one can make their own music with themselves.
Drumfolk was more than just a show, it revealed what having people united can do. The performance showed that when united, one can achieve great things. There was never a moment during the show when one wasn't relying on each other in order to create the beat that they would dance to. Even the audience was able to be part of the show as the performers gave the audience the chance to create their own music with their hands by clapping. Drumfolk showcased resistance, resilience, and reclamation of their culture. Just by looking into the faces of the performers, one could see that they would not go down without a fight. The performers transformed their body into their own instruments to tell the story of their ancestors and show the audience their own definition of purpose and perseverance.
