Why the Birds Sing to Me...

“Do you know why the birds sing to me? It’s because they are comforting me. It’s because they are telling me that I should never forget what love is or who I am.” When birds sing to me, they sound like Blu*3 (3 Black Ladies of Uganda - the only surviving group among the three East African countries ever since the Coca Cola Popstars 2003) in their song "Where U Are" featuring song maestros Mozey Radio and Weasel, Jose Chameleone's brother.

This mid March, the Community Musical Theatre Project for Northern Uganda presents a musical drama production. Set during wartime northern Uganda, 'Why the Birds Sing to Me' depicts the story of the children who were abducted and returned to their communities in northern Uganda during the 20 years of the LRA Guerilla War.

The drama features the story of a young girl who was abducted and a young boy who, in friendship, follows her deep into the world of the LRA. Their story weaves tragedy, love, hatred, betrayal, hope and redemption. The story brings broader messages, expressing the community’s great need for holistic reconstruction and reconciliation, for the prevention of violence against children, and the promotion of human rights. The story is for all Ugandans (and the world), to impart a sense of accomplishment while inspiring a wellspring of hope for the future. Let's Clap with Gulu!

Tickets are available at the National Theatre Box Office; For the opening day on Wednesday 18th March 2009 at 7.30 PM, they will cost 8,000 UgShs each (about 4 US Dollars) but 12,000 UgShs (about 6 US Dollars) on the other three nights up to Saturday 21st March 2009. For more information, contact Arfaan Ahmed (+256) 752624251, Flora Aduk (+256) 712874023 or Jeffrey W. Harrison (Project Coordinator/Musical Director/Composer) (+256) 774423274

These performances are proudly sponsored and supported by KADS - Kampala Amateur Dramatics Society, the Embassy of Ireland and the United Nations OHCHR. Traditional instrumentalist Joseph Odongkara from Gulu will join Jeffrey to round out this truly inspirational performance. Enjoy the performance.

More music by JWH can be heard here: http://web.mac.com/jeffreywharrison/iWeb/Site%202/Welcome.html