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Annual Celebration Keeps The M.L.K. Dream Alive By JAMES MARTIN
Sometimes dreams, like children, get a little lost. Despite our best efforts and diligent watchfulness, we may lose our focus and one of those precious little things we were so mindful of slips away. It might just be for a split second or perhaps some lengthier absence, but depending on the fragility of what we possessed, it could be devastating, or at least distracting. Whether it be the trace of last night's illusion or the larger dream that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. prescribed, I am immediately reminded of the Langston Hughes poem that begins, "What happens to a dream deferred," when I think of tending to my own dreams. The poem lists a myriad of possible endings, from a washed-out and apathetic fizzle to a final, grand explosion. Each dream is its own composition, to be handled with intuition and respect for those real-time things inspiring it into reality.
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The M.L.K. Celebration has always been fueled by and filled with the best of Juilliard's gifts.
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This year's M.L.K. Celebration at Juilliard will offer opportunities for this kind of reflection, as we examine and revisit not only the truths that Dr. King himself coined, but those people, events, and ideas that inspired his own dream and the works of the civil rights movement. Our theme is "Kings of King—Celebrating the People and Principles That Inspired Dr. King and His Life's Work." I'm very excited to be working on the project again as director. Each time I revisit the richness of the material, I am always challenged and moved in amazing new directions.The M.L.K. Celebration is still the only opportunity for Juilliard students from all divisions to actively participate as creative artists in their community, in conjunction with other disciplines. M.L.K. has always been fueled by and filled with the best of Juilliard's gifts. A successful celebration is energetic and thoughtful, full of generosity in the performances and kinetic in the creation of the individual pieces. It is these individual compositions that elevate the collective souls of those present and inspire them to continue doing great things in humble ways.For this reason, I would encourage all Juilliard students to take an active role in this year's M.L.K. Celebration. As the director, I would challenge them with this commission for the larger community: to uncover the mystery of King as artist through his own inspiration. If you'd like to participate but don't know where to start, here are some suggestions: Watch one of the previous M.L.K. tapes for an idea of what happens during the evening. Do some legwork and read about the realities of King's life and the history surrounding the civil rights movement. Once you have a general knowledge, begin focusing on your own personal thoughts and feelings. The most effective offerings invariably come from the most personal reflections, and from commonplace but specific occurrences.Also, don't shy away from skewing the angle of your perspective. Not everything must be from King's own perspective. For instance, what did Ghandi think of King? For that matter, what did Indira think of Coretta? These are two very different women from very different worlds, doing very similar work. Look in those places you wouldn't think to look. For instance, sports events rally huge crowds and have sparked social changes on more than one occasion. Check out all the events of those times.As we explore the people and events that inspired King's dream, our hope is to add to the infinite truths that he and others like him have been able to reveal. The 2005 M.L.K. Celebration takes place at 7 p.m. on January 17, 2005, in Paul Hall. For information on how to participate, stop by the Office of Student Affairs (Room 219) or e-mail osa@juilliard.edu.James Martin (M.M. '95, voice) directed the M.L.K. Celebration in 2002.
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