The 51st (Dream) State is a powerful fusion of poetry, music, image and movement. The film captures a vivid, emotionally charged performance that moves between intimate reflection and urgent public inquiry, inviting audiences into a searching meditation on American identity, power, memory and belonging. By turns lyrical, provocative and deeply human, it offers not just a performance to watch, but an experience to feel and think through together.
Writer Sekou Sundiata was a groundbreaking poet, performance artist and longtime New School professor, whose work helped define the spoken-word movement. His work includes The 51st (Dream) State, Blessing the Boats, and other landmark performance works.
"He is to contemporary African American poetry what Marvin Gaye was to modern soul." ~ Greg Tate
Doors open at 6:30pm, screening begins 7:30pm. Free popcorn provided!
Learn more about the School of Music & Theater Jazz program.