Spriggs Burroughs, the dynamic drama and dance ensemble, is set to grace the Atlanta University Center (AUC) with their highly anticipated Art After Dark performances, titled “Through the Looking Glass”, running April 25-27. The organization will also debut its original documentary, “A Seat at our Own Table”, during Spelman College’s annual Research Day.
Since February, Spriggs has worked tirelessly for over 100 hours to develop a compelling narrative and execute it through song, acting, dance and poetry. Beyond artistic expression, it serves as a sanctuary for its members to reflect on their personal journeys and express themselves candidly.
Spriggs fosters a nurturing family-style environment, providing a safe space for Black queer artists in the AUC— many of whom are ostracized and shunned from society and even their own families.
Furthermore, Spriggs fills a critical creative gap in the AUC. The ensemble has become an indispensable outlet for students such as senior Spriggs Art After Dark acting co-head Elijah Lee, who enrolled at Morehouse College with intentions of majoring in theatre and performance, but was later informed that the institution did not offer courses to satisfy the major.
For several members, the most rewarding aspect of their involvement is witnessing the growth of others. A handful of newcomers arrive timid and unsure of themselves, some having never performed on stage. However, through rehearsals and performance, they leave with greater confidence and a deeper sense of self.
Though the ensemble follows a written storyline, performers are encouraged to personalize their characters and make them resonate with their lived experiences.
“It’s always so wonderful to see when people are true to themselves and you can tell that they’re being authentic,” junior Spriggs Art After Dark stage manager Shara Allen said. “I enjoy facilitating relationships between creatives and giving them a community to rely on.”
According to ensemble members, the goal of the production is to ensure the audience walks away feeling seen and empowered.
“I want the audience to see themselves in the work that we do. I want them to feel recognized by the work that’s on stage,”sophomore Spriggs Art After Dark and documentary co-director Aneela Desai said.
Allen echoes this sentiment, recalling how her freshman year poetry performance about accepting their sexuality deeply resonated with the audience. Even now, they continue to receive positive feedback about the substantial impact of their piece.
“Representation is something that’s so hard to come by,” Allen said. “The more marginalized you are, the harder it is to be seen in this world, so being able to give these people a space that they can present themselves is so important.”
This year’s Art After Dark show, “Through the Looking Glass”, explores love in all shapes and forms, celebrating the complex, evolving nature of love.
“I hope the audience understands that love has its phases. Love means a lot of things. Love can mean staying, love can mean leaving, love can mean growing. It can mean something different for everyone. Love is a human experience,” sophomore Spriggs Art After Dark acting co-head and documentary co-director Kennedy Rogers said.
Spriggs’ new documentary, “A Seat at our Own Table”, highlights the familial phenomenon within the cast and crew, and showcases the power of student-led theater in the AUC. The project was inspired by Spelman theater and performance professor Joan McCarty, who encouraged the ensemble to document and present their work at Research Day.
“Our creativity and stories are so powerful,” Rogers said. “It is safe to be here and you can express yourself here. Regardless if you’re a performer or you’re here to see the show, this space is created for you, by people who look like you and are you.”
