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Spiritual Uprising
April 2 May 7
Spiritual Uprising
April 2 May 7
April 2-May 7, 2021
Conceived, written, arranged, and performed by Zonya Love STREAMING
Re-released for 2023!

Give a gift of $50 or more now through December 31, 2023 and get access to stream Spiritual Uprising!

Run time: 75 minutes
Best enjoyed by ages 10+

The showstopping Zonya Love (Lights Out: Nat "King" Cole, Broadway’s The Color Purple) brings her forthcoming collection of reimagined Negro Spirituals to the People’s Light stage in this filmed concert event. The nationally acclaimed actor-musician leads her band through evocative new renditions of songs such as “Wade in the Water” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” while illustrating the music’s deep cultural and historical significance.

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Production Archive
Cast and Creative Team
Creator / Music Supervisor / Performer
Music Director / Pianist / Supporting Vocalist
Crystal Joy
Supporting Vocalist
Senfu Stoney
Percussionist
Helen White
Supporting Vocalist
Artina Michelle
Director of Photography
Sergio Galeano
Editor / Camera Operator
Aaron Brokenbough
Camera Operator
Charles T. Brastow
Director of Production
Steve H. Broadnax III
Consulting Director
Kate Coots
Scenic Charge Artist
Brent Hoyer
Sound Design & Engineer
Dylan Jamison
Assistant Technical Director
Greg Miller
Lighting Designer
Jennifer Povish
Costumes
Joelle Phillips
Makeup
Sarah Pierce
Props
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About Negro Spirituals
See the Spiritual Uprising song list and hear from local expert Arreon Harley-Emerson about the cultural and regional significance of the genre.
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Get the Scoop
The creative team takes a fascinating deep-dive into the history and meaning behind the music – and its enduring relevance in 2021.
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For Educators
Spiritual Uprising is free for use in educational settings! Find video resources, a supplemental teaching guide, and more here.
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"Soon I Will Be Done"
Zonya performs her new arrangement of a classic and discusses her inspiration. "Black people in America...are still fighting to BE."
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Pre-Performance Guide
A detailed guide for viewers who want more information about what to expect before watching the performance.
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More Info
Discounts

Theatre industry professionals, frontline healthcare workers, teachers, and military families can receive discounted access to digital titles. Click here for more information.

Accessibility

Digital streaming access to Spiritual Uprising includes optional closed captioning and audio description by Nicole Sardella. All accessibility options appear automatically in your People's Light online account as they become available.

Click here to read the pre-performance guide for Spiritual Uprising, which is similar to guides created for Relaxed Performances during our regular season.

Filmed and edited in partnership with PhillyCAM

Production Sponsor:



With additional support from The Connelly Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts

Photo: Charity De Meer