The Association of Rhythmic Talent will perform a play, “Beyond Me” Nov. 18.
A.R.T. was formed in 1991 by Winston-Salem State alumni Kent and Angela Beatty.
It has three sections; A.R.T. Voices for the singers, A.R.T. Dance Company, and A.R.T. Expressions for the spoken word and actors.
Kent Beatty is a staff member of the Conferences and Institutes Department.
The C and I Department coordinates conferences and meetings.
He said he was watching dancers and drama guilds from other schools come to WSSU to perform.
“There are so many talented students, and they didn’t get a chance to express themselves and showcase their talents,” Kent Beatty said.
A.R.T.’s performance will will include music from former member Stanley Johnson’s upcoming album, “Beyond Me.”
Stanley Johnson, a WSSU alum, is a staff member of the C and I Department, and “Beyond Me” is his first solo project on the independent label, PreAmp Entertainment.
He wrote, produced and co-produced every song on the album and is receiving national radio play although the album has not been released.
“‘Beyond Me’ has become more than just an album but a movement,” Stanley Johnson said. “It is a lifestyle and it has become a part of me.”
He said that he was playing music from his album and Kent Beatty heard the heart-wrenching lyrics and decided that A.R.T. would perform a play based off of several songs on his album.
“The concept of the play is that there is more than just ‘you’ and instead of getting caught up in the aspect of ‘yourself,’ we hope that ‘you’ see the bigger picture,” Kent Beatty said.
The songs on Stanley Johnson’s “Beyond Me” album included in the play are “Beyond Me”; “Running to You”; “I Found Joy” and the first single, “Hiding Place.”
The play will also feature gospel and some R&B.
The play involves many issues, including homosexuality and self-centeredness.
Jayquanne Johnson, a junior psychology major from Charlotte, is a member of A.R.T. Voices.
He said that the play includes people who look down at others who are not up to their standards.
“It’s not about them, but about God,” Jayquanne Johnson said.
“It should not be about ‘man’. God will show you who he is by the situations you go through.”
Stanley Johnson said that A.R.T. is known for their R-rated plays.
“R-rated means real, as in real life,” Stanley Johnson said.
“It does not mean provocative or nasty. We [A.R.T.] give you relatable situations and always leave a message. A lot of people will see themselves or pieces of themselves in this play.”