DaVena Jordan All Walks of Life, Inc. (AWOL) is proud to announce an open call to audition for their 4th Annual Hip-Hop History Play: "The Hip-Hop Generation Salutes the Harlem Renaissance" on September 18-19 at the Black Box Theater (9 W. Henry St.) from 6PM-9PM. AWOL is looking for dedicated young people of all ages who are interested in singing, dancing, rapping and acting to come show their skills and be a part of the most fun and educational celebration of Black History Month that takes place in Savannah.

"I'm so excited about this year's play," says AWOL's Executive Director DaVena Jordan. "I'm always amazed at the diverse group of kids who come to audition, and how talented they are."

AWOL will host this year's production at the Lucas Theatre on March 5 - 6, 2009 in honor of Black History Month. The play will articulate the struggles of the Harlem Renaissance era and the parallels between the Harlem Renaissance generation and the Hip-Hop generation. Previous productions have discussed the origins of Hip-Hop, its ties to the Civil Rights Movement and its descent from the traditions of the African oral tradition.

"This year our goal is to help youth discover not only the Harlem Renaissance, but the Kush Empire of African Pharaohs and how they all relate to the development of Hip-Hop," says Jordan. "I can't wait to see the kids all dressed up in Ancient Egyptian jewelry and lavish clothes. It is going to be a really fun show this year."

"The Hip-Hop Generation Salutes the Harlem Renaissance" intends to bridge the gap between the two generations within the classroom and at home by discussing the common social issues that influenced both movements. Furthermore, the play will inform the Hip-Hop generation how music, poetry and art served as a means to uplift and encourage an oppressed people during the Harlem Renaissance, and how it was used to send messages of unity, love and respect. This historically based production features modern dance, rap and spoken word performances, as well as special guest appearances from E93 radio personalities and the talented acting of Savannah's own youth.

For more information, contact: Quintina Burroughs, qburroughs@awolinc.org, 912.341.8306.