During the weekend of April 19, 72 students from different grade levels of Sidwell Friends united to perform the 35th annual Black Student Union (BSU) show. The theme was “The History of Hip-Hop,” which celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Students saw a preview of the show on Founders Day, when preformers presented a sample for the entire school.
The show occurs at a radio station set to shut down and consists of various skits that each portray how hip-hop influenced society and trends in the world.
The production mainly focused on the history and impact of hip-hop in the United States and featured the history of graffiti art, fashion, political movements and international influences. The directors utilized singing, dancing and vibrant sets to depict hip-hop culture. The cohost of the production, junior Grace Quash, “really enjoyed getting to know and bond with the other kids across the grades who [she] wouldn’t normally have the chance to interact with.”
The selection of songs informs the audience about the creators of hip-hop, the origins of familiar music beats and pivotal moments in hip-hop history. The music ranged from the 1970s to contemporary times. Junior Chase Hinton was the live DJ for the show.
The show was produced by Sidwell students alongside faculty advisors: Outreach and Digital Content Coordinator Alia Allen and Upper School English teacher Alonzo Vereen. The directors included students of all ages to offer the Sidwell community a chance to express themselves on stage and emphasize the messages of belonging and inclusion.
Junior Mira Flood, one of the co-writers and student directors, explained that she “came to every rehearsal, helped cast the show, gave directorial notes, and especially helped the middle schoolers stay focused.”
She viewed the show as an opportunity to interact with first-year students and Middle School students. Flood also appreciated the audience and hoped to have “touched their hearts.” She added that she was proud of the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication in preparing for the show.
Quash also enjoyed bonding with younger students, especially her 7th-grade co-star Cam Crawford. “One of the things I was most proud of was the dynamic my fellow co-host and I had in the show. We were able to build up as we practiced more and more,” Quash said.
