SEATTLE -- African-American women of note such as Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth, Janet Collins, Ernestine Anderson, Mary Church Terrell and Margaret Walker Alexander are celebrated in song and story, in The Group Theatre's Keepers of the Dream, beginning Mar. 11.

Co-created by Nikki-Nojima Louis and Jacqueline Moscou, Keepers of the Dream is a collage of words, songs, and thoughts that project the spirit and contributions of African-American women. Nojima Louis' background as playwright, performer, performer, educator and activist, created a similar piece titled I Dream A World for the Museum of History and Industry, but feels that though "Keepers of the Dream has a similar spirit and intent, it embraces a greater spectrum of individuals a well as a broader scope of time and place."

Northwest theatre veteran Moscou has an established history of directing (A...My Name Is Still Alice, and Lady Day at the Emerson Bar and Grill) and acting (leading roles in Raisin in the Sun, and Tod, the Boy, Tod) for the Group, as well as outstanding efforts throughout the Seattle theatre community.

Moscou is also director, and one-third of the acting ensemble in Keepers. Her co-players are Angie Bolton and Patrinell Wright. She believes in that the how has great value, due to the importance of "Remembering what came before to strengthen ourselves for what lies ahead, Emancipation and civil rights have yet to eradicate the inequities within our society, and so the dream must continue to seek out and give a new generation of keepers."

Keepers of the Dream opens Mar. 11 and runs through Apr. 5, with a special 20th anniversary benefit to celebrate the Group's two decades of staging unique theatre in Seattle. The Group is located in the lower level of the Seattle Center House. Performances are at 7:30 PM Tues.-Thurs., 8 PM Fri and Sat., Sun. at 7 PM and Sun. matinees at 2 PM. Several performances are all ready sold out. For tickets call (206) 441-1299.

-- By David-Edward Hughes
Seattle Correspondent