Orisirisi African Folklore

Contact: Don Harrell
Phone: 407-697-1336
Email: orisirisi1@gmail.com

Website: http://www.orisirisiafricanfolklore.com/index.html

Description: Orisirisi African Folklore is a nationally and internationally acclaimed performing arts and education company that brings the history, culture, and living traditions of Africa and the African diaspora vividly to life. Founded in 1986 by Don and Tutu Harrell, the company delivers dynamic, participatory experiences featuring folktales, legends, and myths; masterful drumming; expressive dance; song; and interactive audience engagement rooted in authentic African performance practice.

For nearly four decades, Orisirisi has served diverse audiences across schools, libraries, universities, museums, festivals, and community venues nationwide—highlighted by an extraordinary nine-year, 12,000-performance run at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. Each program is designed to educate, inspire, and connect audiences of all ages through culturally grounded storytelling and immersive participation.

Moonlight Stories
A vibrant recreation of traditional African storytelling under the “moonlight,” this program blends captivating tales with live drumming, dance, call-and-response songs, and joyful audience participation. Perfect for family and youth audiences, it introduces unforgettable characters such as Anansi, Dog, and Turtle, engaging the imagination while reinforcing cultural values and oral tradition.

Drum Sermons
An electrifying journey into the origins and meaning of music, Drum Sermons combines storytelling, live drumming, dance, and song to illuminate the enduring legacy of African rhythmic traditions. Audiences gain hands-on insight into African drumming techniques while experiencing the profound cultural connections between rhythm, community, and expression.

Pricing: $500-$1,500, (Note: dependent upon occasion, distance, and block booking)