Rhapsody in Black

Rhapsody in Black is a one-man show that explores LeLand Gantt’s personal journey to understand and eventually transcend racism in America. A prismatic look at life on the color line, Gantt presents a poignant, enraging, and often hilarious travelogue through the psyche of the perpetual “other.” As he spends a lifetime struggling with what it means to be black, he ultimately understands what it means to be a man. A blistering indictment of tribalism in all forms, Rhapsody in Black deconstructs notions of race and identity–provoking thought, realigning perspectives, and sparking the conversation we need right now.

At a time in our communities when issues of social and racial injustice are at the forefront, join us to hear a blistering indictment of tribalism of all forms as Rhapsody deconstructs notions of race and identity provoking thought.  Our partner organizations will be in the theater lobby to share their work on how they build collaborations to undo racism in Vermont and advocate for racial justice. 

Peace & Justice Center – whose Racial Justice Programs seeks to spread awareness about the inequity people of color face in Vermont and helps those who experience white privilege meaningfully engage in racial justice work.

YWCA: Stand Against Racism – YWCA Vermont is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our anchor program, Camp Hochelaga, is a residential and day camp for girls (ages 6-17) located in South Hero on the shores of Lake Champlain. This summer program offers opportunities for youth to explore a wide range of activities intended to build character, self-esteem, self-confidence, and leadership skills. In addition to camp, we are proud to join our sister YWCA’s in organizing the annual Stand Against Racism Week each year in April. Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. At an organizational level, YWCA Vermont recognizes the reality of our state demographics being predominantly white, as well as being a white lead chapter. Through consultation with local racial justice focused organizations, YWCA Vermont has identified the need to take time to bring purposeful, action-based anti-racist work to the majority white community we already serve in order to make real change in eliminating racism in Vermont specifically. 

Rhapsody is presented in collaboration with the Racial Equity Alliance of Lamoille (REAL), which aims to address discrimination in the county and Helen Day Art Center and their inspirational exhibition, Unbroken Current.