Tree of Forgetfulness

This work is inspired by a forced ritual which enslaved Africans had to endure prior to passing through the “Door of No Return” before entering the slave ships. Males had to circle a tree nine times, women and children seven times. This ritual was supposed to make the enslaved forget their cultural/familial ties to Africa. The enslavers did not want the souls of those forced into captivity to return to their African homeland and torment those responsible for their captivity. The work focuses on the greatest act of resistance committed by the enslaved—remembering their cultural practices. Dancers: Tameeka Austin, Thaddeus Bennett, Danika Manso-Brown, Nia Cash, Otima Doyle, Kadeisha Mariah Kilgore, Tatianna Mott, Christiana Barnett-Murphy, Ketha Williams Taylor. Percussionists: Beverly Botsford, Domingo B. Vinesett, Oesa S. Vinesett, Richard J. Vinesett (Musical Director ). Costumes: Ava LaVonne Vinesett.

Duke Scholars