Classic Film Porgy & Bess Featured at Island Heritage Festival
For Immediate Release, March 2007http://www.islandheritagefestival.com
A 1924 article in the Charleston daily newspaper told the story of a notorious, crippled Gullah man who rode around the city in a cart pulled by a goat. This contentious figure, no stranger to love and war on his own terms, inspired the world beloved Porgy & Bess. Since that time Hollywood has adapted the story to film, starring almost every well known African American actor and actress, including the legendary Sammie Davis, Jr., Sidney Poitier, Diahann Caroll, and Maya Angelou among others. As Island Heritage Festival pays tribute to Sammie Smalls, a native island son and the inspiration for Porgy, the classic movie will be featured as a part of the celebration, June 28th at 9:00PM.
For five (5) exciting days, June 28-July 2, James Island will experience an explosion of history, culture, education, commemoration and celebration at Island Heritage Festival with twelve (12) programs at various venues on James Island, and Folly Beach. An Opening Reception will be held at the historic Heyward house on Folly Beach, where the novel and the opera by Gershwin, were written. A Conversations program with generations of the relatives of Smalls will be held as well as a gala, musical presentation of Porgy & Bess Under the Stars on the grounds of McLeod Plantation.
“James Island is one of Charleston’s true historic treasures, with extraordinary chapters of history that we are proud to honor”, noted native James Islander, Founder and Executive Director, Eleanor Kinlaw-Ross. “The Porgy phenomenon is just one example of this extraordinary history”, she added. “The film will be featured outdoors, at a Sol-Legare Island park just across the river from Folly Beach. We are elated to have history, making history once again with this presentation”.
An entertaining and educational line-up of festival events includes an Island Heritage Tour, A Symposium on Heyward, Gershwin & Porgy, A Sunset Gullah Cruise, A Children’s Cultural Literacy Festival, among others will be showcased. Retuning this year is the annual Taste of Gullah Celebration, featuring food, cultural entertainment and vendors. Having earned a national reputation as a destination for cultural tourism, the Festival expects visitors from across the U.S. again this year. For information on programs, Vendor opportunity and the cultural talent showcase, contact the Festival Office at 843-727-1875 or visit the website at www.islandheritagefestival.com. Tickets to Festival events are available at www.Tix.Com and at 1-800-595-4TIX.
