"Washed their hands of us. That’s what they said. Like we were the coronavirus."
"That kind of history doesn’t get taught in schools. Not in Black History month, not ever. We get raised to know there are always holes in the story."
"Those black holes in history can fill up with anger." -Excerpts from Higher Ground 9: Shift Change
This production is Higher Ground’s ninth original musical drama since 2005. Like all Higher Ground’s work, Shift Change was created by people in Harlan County, Kentucky in collaboration with guest artists. It is based on interviews collected by Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC) students and community members. Shift Change uses story and music created and performed by local actors and musicians to process the events of 2020. The family-friendly play explores Harlan's African American history and includes a discussion of a Black Lives Matter rally in Harlan in June 2020 and the role of law enforcement in the community. The play also explores the community's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
We’d like to give a special thank you to all the local community members and artists who made Shift Change possible. Higher Ground worked with over 100 local community members in the development of this work. Without your continued efforts and support our artwork would not be possible. To all the collaborating artists, our dreams of making impactful and relative art came to reality through your work and dedication. All collaborative artists are acknowledged at the end of the digital production.
Shift Change was directed by Keith McGill of Louisville. SKCTC theater professor Kate Handzlik was the assistant director and stage manager. SKCTC music professor Ryland Pope and Harlan-based band The Kudzu Killers created the original musical arrangements. Chicago-based Kevin Iega Jeff choreographed the play with support from Kaitlyn Skidmore Patel. Aerial dance by Sierra Hatfield and Bridgett Howard. Maranda Marie DeBusk of Atlanta is Lighting Designer and Cassidy Wright is Production Designer. William Major & Austin Rutherford coordinated video production.
Support for Shift Change comes from Brook and Pam Smith, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, Appalachian Impact Fund, AlternateROOTS, ArtPlace Central Appalachian Assembly, President Vic Adams and the SKCTC Administration, and the thousands of friends, neighbors, students, and beloved community members who have contributed to Higher Ground’s mission over the past 20 years.
Higher Ground is a constellation of projects involving cultural transmission, artistic expression, and community solidarity.
We’d like to give a special thank you to all the local community members and artists who made Shift Change possible. Higher Ground worked with over 100 local community members in the development of this work. Without your continued efforts and support our artwork would not be possible. To all the collaborating artists, our dreams of making impactful and relative art came to reality through your work and dedication. All collaborative artists are acknowledged at the end of the digital production.
Shift Change was directed by Keith McGill of Louisville. SKCTC theater professor Kate Handzlik was the assistant director and stage manager. SKCTC music professor Ryland Pope and Harlan-based band The Kudzu Killers created the original musical arrangements. Chicago-based Kevin Iega Jeff choreographed the play with support from Kaitlyn Skidmore Patel. Aerial dance by Sierra Hatfield and Bridgett Howard. Maranda Marie DeBusk of Atlanta is Lighting Designer and Cassidy Wright is Production Designer. William Major & Austin Rutherford coordinated video production.
Support for Shift Change comes from Brook and Pam Smith, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, Appalachian Impact Fund, AlternateROOTS, ArtPlace Central Appalachian Assembly, President Vic Adams and the SKCTC Administration, and the thousands of friends, neighbors, students, and beloved community members who have contributed to Higher Ground’s mission over the past 20 years.
Higher Ground is a constellation of projects involving cultural transmission, artistic expression, and community solidarity.
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