Performing Arts

Performing Arts

Blanche Blacke is currently performing with Shakura World Theatre a not-for-profit theater company whose mission is to teach tolerance, shift consciousness, educate and enlighten, presenting original new works of intentional theatre influenced by indigenous world cultures.

The ensemble won the City of Chicago Cultural Affairs department's new artists in performance award in 2000 and has performed at: Northwesten's Barber Theatre; the World Music Festival satellite event at The Note, Chicago Cultural Center, Gallery 37 Center for the Arts Hot House International, Artists at the Wall Festival, Beat Kitchen, Healing Earth Resources, Transitions, Around the Coyote Fall Dance Audio Visual Curator's Choice event in 2001, Northside College Prep Auditorium and Theatre Building Chicago. Programs are supported in part by the City of Chicago Cultural Affairs Dept., CAAP grants, City-Arts I, the Illinois Arts Council, a state-agency, the Edith-Marie Appleton Foundation and individual donors.

In October 2002, Shiva Fire Music released "Spirit Voices" , a cd of music and chant co-written and produced by Blanche that features acclaimed overtone singer and percussionist, Glen Velez. "That Blanche Blacke s a healer who can effectively use her voice to create shifts in consciousness is clearly evident from her work "Spirit Voices", said Russil Paul, chant master and the creator of the Yoga of Sound Series. Robert Gass, chant expert and author of 'Chanting, Discover Spirit in Sound said , "There is powerful energy that pours through Blanche's voice. My sense is that she can really move groups into altered states. It is evident that she understands how to channel and dance with energy"

Blanche's former group, Phil 'n' the Blanks, toured extensively to sold-out shows for six years. She wrote, co-wrote and co-produced many of the songs on the four albums that chatred in the CMJ top forty. Six conceptual and ground-breaking videos aired in rotation on MTV. "Advertising Girl" featured Blanche and charted in the Chashbox MTV Top 30. During this time, she collaborated with performance artist Sandra Bignon. After a move to Los Angeles, Blanche played the LA club circuit and recorded. She sang on several commercial projects and back-ups on the Squeeze release "Play". Blanche's group was showcasing for three labels when she had the near-death experience that changed her life and she left the music business.

In October 1998, Blanche met co-founder of the inter-disciplinary group Movement and Sound Sculpture, Bill Close. Inspired by Blanche’s shamanic chants, Close experssed interest in featuring her as guest artist with MASS.

In January 1999, Blanche collaborated with Close on a new piece. Blanche was inspired to resurrect the ancient art of intentional ritual and focus the energy of the piece to influence a specific purpose. The piece, "Lhasa", developed into an invocation to the spirits of compassion, intended to instill a feeling of unconditional love and peace. Amidst the improvised chants she added a traditional Tibetan song, a wish for everyone to know all happiness and be separated from all pain. "Lhasa" was completed in March and Blanche appeared as guest artist with the MASS Ensemble during the spring and summer of 1999.

The School of Exceptional Living so enjoyed Blacke’s performances with MASS that they commissioned her to create a piece for their Loving Life Festival. Shakura Ensemble Ritual Theatre was founded to perform that piece and debuted at Northwestern's Barber Theatre on September 9, 1999.

In October 2003, Blanche was voted onto the Borad of Directors for the League of Chicago Theaters. Shakura World Theatre produces at least one world premiere each year. In October 2004, Shakura World Theatre presented the new classic, "The Shining" a halloween show that integrates the Celtic myths of Samhain that will be performed as an annual tradition.

Currently Blanche is working on a new music project that features more traditional songs as well as the re-issue of an Anthology of Phil 'n' the Blanks music on cd and a future reunioin tour.

Enhance Soul Consciousness for Empowered Living (312) 670-2826 info@blancheblacke.com