THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 6, 1994 TAG: 9410040154
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
The Unitarian Church of Norfolk (Unitarian Universalist) is kicking off its 100-year anniverary this Sunday with an afternoon of contemporary dance, drama and music.
MPAACT - Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre - will perform at the church at 3 p.m. The Chicago-based group consists of young Africans and African-Americans who typically incorporate drama, music, poetry and dance into the productions.
``They have a one-man show,'' said Thelma Carroll, whose son, William S. Carroll, is a member of MPACCT. ``One person does the acting and the other people provide support from the musical background.''
William Carroll is the group's artistic director and playwright-in-residence. He is also a graduate of Green Run High School and Norfolk State University. The group has performed at schools, recreational centers and correctional facilities throughout the Chicago area.
MPAACT was formed nearly five years ago when most of its members were in graduate school in Champaign-Urbana.
``It's their goal to tour nationally and this is their first opportunity to tour this far,'' Thelma Carroll said.
Sunday's African-themed show is titled ``Vital Signs,'' which Carroll said is an original program of dance, music and narration.
This MPACCT performance is one of a series of events that will launch the 100-year anniversary in November of Black Universalism in America. The centennial celebrates also the founding of the denomination's first black churches - the First Universalist Church in Norfolk and St. Paul's Universalist Church in Suffolk.
MPAACT is being sponsored by Arts in Ghent, a church-based organization that provides diversified arts programs in the area.
``There's been so much diversity,'' said spokeswoman Pat Chenault. ``Our church has this program five to six times a year.'' by CNB