The Artistry and Activism of Francis Ellen Watkins Harper | Harrisburg | January 24-25, 2026
The Artistry and Activism of Francis Ellen Watkins Harper
January 25 & 25, 2026
lOCATION
Sankofa African American Theatre Company
Performance of this production are listed in the ticket information below.
DRAMA/MUSICAL
Adapted by Sharia Benn from a concept by Lynnette Overby, Ph.D
Choreographic direction by Lynnette Overby, Ph.D
Narrative interludes by Sharia Benn
Directed by Sharia Benn and Maria S. Enriquez, Ph.D
About the Show:
Born free in 1825 Baltimore, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper rose from orphaned child to one of the most powerful voices of her century. Poet, abolitionist, educator, and suffragist - her words lit fires for justice a century before Dr. King’s dream. She published the first short story by an African American woman and delivered fiery speeches on abolition, temperance, and women’s rights across the U.S. and Canada.
This original production, presented in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, brings Harper’s artistry and activism to life. Her story embodies the message: that art, intellect, and moral courage can bend the arc of history. The performance features Sharia Benn, Founder, President & Executive Artistic Director of Sankofa, as Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and is co-directed by Maria Enriquez, Ph.D., Associate Teaching Professor of Theater and Penn State Harrisburg School of Humanities Program Coordinator. The production also showcases the talents of Penn State Harrisburg students and the Sharing Our Legacy Dance Theatre.
Performance Schedule:
Saturday, January 24 @ 2 pm (Performance at The Kulkarni Theatre, Penn State Harrisburg)
Sunday, January 25 @ 2 pm (Performance at The Sunoco Theatre, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts)
For Directions to PErformance venues, please follow the highlighted links above
Ticket Information:
Tickets are free, but reservations are requested via the Sankofa AATC website. Please see the link below.
Inquiries about group reservations should be directed to (717) 214-3251