Senior Capstone Showcase: A Night with Seniors of Howard University

Senior Capstone Showcase: A Night with Seniors of Howard University

Highlighting Four Students from the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.

TARICKA-Her Story_{, presented by Mahlet Gebreyesus}

This capstone follows the life of Tarick Beyene and taricka, which translates to “her story”. The show follows her. I was interested in exploring the meaning and attainability of the American Dream in relation to the African immigrant, and similarly, in the spirit of Lorraine Hansberry's inspiration, as seen in Langston Hughes' poem, “Harlem”.  

Ceilings_{, presented by Mikari Tarpley}

Dillard Tupponce Sr., my Pop-Pop, was passionate about building residential buildings in Richmond, VA. But he was also a passionate husband and father. In Ceilings, he is reimagined as George… short for Georgia. Georgia, tasked with building the “perfect house”, runs into trouble with her creation because perfection does not exist. In her journey to finish the house, Georgia will explore what it means to love, lust, and obsess all in the name of a passion. By the end, she learns that to be passionate is to not be obsessive, to make mistakes is to learn from them, and to be loved is to be forgiven. 

No More Blues_{, presented by Trinity Garrison}

Eloria is a fiery woman determined to become a movie star, so that young Black girls can see themselves reflected in film. She leaves home to pursue her dream, unaware of the challenges ahead. After a near-death experience during WWII when a bomb detonated outside her hotel, she realizes the importance of returning home to what truly matters. Inspired by the lives of Eartha Kitt and Gloria Nonomme (my grandmother), this story explores a reality where these women didn’t have to choose between their passions and personal lives.

Her Story, Our Song_{, presented by Skylar Wilson}

Her Story, Our Song follows my maternal grandmother, Mary, as she navigates healing and love after reconnecting with my grandfather, Raymond. The narrative highlights their romance, family life, and eventual move to Texas, culminating in Raymond's terminal illness diagnosis. This news forces Mary to reflect on their 75+ years together and prepare for life without him. Told from the perspective of Mary Ann Taylor Christopher, the story explores themes of grief, love, acceptance, and finding the strength to move forward

ABOUT SENIOR CAPSTONE SHOWCASE:

Theater Alliance is proud to host a special showcase featuring four musical theater students from Howard University—Trinity Garrison, Skylar Wilson, Mahlet Gebreyesus, and Mikari Tarpley—as they present the culmination of their undergraduate training. After presenting their senior capstone projects at Theater Alliance this past fall, these artists return to share their work as they prepare for their final semester. As an official Howard University learning site, Theater Alliance is honored to support and celebrate the next generation of musical theater artists in this exciting moment of transition and achievement.

ABOUT THE CHADWICK A. BOSEMAN COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS:

The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts cultivates visionary artists and scholars who reshape culture and expand the creative economy. We stand as a global hub for dialogue, innovation, and leadership in the arts. In accordance with the mission of Howard University, the College of Fine Arts offers an undergraduate and graduate education capable of empowering students to achieve their tremendous potential as artists and professionals.

As the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with a college dedicated to the arts, Howard serves as a critical space and provides a supportive environment for artists from historically excluded communities to find their own voice and provide a voice for the voiceless.

The College of Fine Arts generates global leadership in the arts and creative economies, giving new shape to wide cross sections of our society and serving as a hub for national and international dialogue about arts and culture.

By focusing on an array of disciplines, students have the opportunity to explore the full breadth of their talents while identifying their unique purpose in life and their distinctive duty to their communities.