The Association for the Business of Artists and Entertainers presented a production of “God is Not an American” by internationally known poet, Jessica Care Moore, at the General Lectures building on Dec. 1, 2009.
“This show is an homage to Detroit: What we do and who we are,” said Aku Kadogo, director of the Black Theatre program at WSU and of the one night only production of “God is Not an American.”
The show, which was first produced by The Apollo Theater in New York, integrates her high-powered poetry, video, and live music to illuminate issues such as the influence of being raised in a predominately Middle Eastern community, the war in Iraq, genocide, life in the inner city and other social and political topics.
“The title is a metaphor for the bombing in Iraq. I see the bombing of the earth as the bombing of womanhood, on humanity,” said Moore, who is the only poet to win for five consecutive weeks on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.”
“It also expresses how much we’ve taken God’s name in vain, like ‘In God we trust,’ and the other many hypocritical things we’ve done with our money. I wrote it when George W. Bush was in office, though I don’t think I would have written it if Barak was in office.”
Moore worked on this production with Kadogo for a year.
“I love working with very gifted people. She is the heir to the theater, to the show, to poetry, and to the female voice,” Kadogo said.
“I am more excited that this is a multimedia presentation because it touches on all of your senses. Her poetry is awesome by itself, but this heightens the experience,” said Rosie Chapman, a fan of Moore’s.
Steffanie Christi’an, the singer who accompanied Moore’s stage performance: “It is orgasmic to do what I do. When I’m onstage and performing, it just comes out of me and I love seeing the reactions from the crowd.”
Moore, a proud Detroit native, is the CEO and founder of Moore Black Press who has published the works of other internationally known poets such as Saul Williams, Ras Baraka and Asha Bandale.
Moore’s next performance will be on Dec.11 at Kevin Powell’s ninth annual Holiday Party and Clothing Drive in New York.
Her book, “God is Not an American” is available at mooreblackpress.com
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