For several years, the Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish musical production has become a favorite holiday experience that captures the spirit of the Christmas season, with folks from all over coming to enjoy the annual performance.
On the Sea Islands in Beaufort S.C., December 20th, 1860 marks the last Christmas before the Civil War. South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union. Masters in the Big House talkin’ ’bout war Coming. Servants in the Quarters talkin’ ’bout freedom coming.
Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk brings this history alive through interactive storytelling, dancing, and hand-clapping and foot-stomping music that mesmerize audiences as they journey back in time to celebrate this special Yuletide season. This fully staged musical production has become a holiday favorite with audience members traveling from both near and far to experience the spirit of the season. “Com’ ‘joy Yo’self. Christmas dis ain’t Christmas wit’out Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk!”
Aunt Pearlie Sue is the creation of Anita Singleton-Prather, a native of the Sea Islands of Beaufort, South Carolina. Based on her grandmother, Aunt Pearlie Sue’s character has entertained audiences with Gullah-flavored folktales for over 20 years from the schoolhouse to the White House.
The Gullah Kinfolk preserves Gullah history and dialect, through expressions of musical performance. The Kinfolk is comprised of Prather’s family members, many of whom have been singing for years.
If you want to experience true Gullah experience, then you won’t want to miss this performance at USCB.
