Epic of Sunjata

The Loft Theatre at Dowling College presents a unique, original adaptation of the West African Epic of Sunjata–a spectacle of drama, dance and music–featuring the authentic griot Abdoulaye "Djoss" Diabate and his band from Mali. This is a foundation story of the historical 13th century Empire of Mali. Passed on for centuries from griot to griot and still sung today in Mali and around the world, this dramatic adaptation tells the magical story of the coming of age of a seemingly crippled boy who is driven into exile but returns to his native Mali to defeat a powerful Sorcerer King and solidify a community. The play also dramatizes the story of the griots themselves and of the power of words and song to promote historical memory and help us identity our roots. Directed and choreographed by Tracy Bersley and adapted by Ms. Bersley and the Loft’s Artistic Director Andrew Karp, the Epic of Sunjata is a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that promises to be a joyous, foot-stomping, heart-wrenching spectacular that will light up the hearts of audiences of all ages. With a professional design team, actors from New York City, and an intimate black box theatre, the Loft presents an Off-Broadway quality production on Long Island.