Shea Theater on Avenue A in Turners Falls will be the site of a jubilant community celebration on Tuesday, July 26, when Amandla Chorus stops on its way to sing for Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai in Rhode Island.
The Greenfield-based, spirited chorus has been singing for justice and freedom since 1988, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop any time soon.
Amandla will bring a new composition, “Malala,” which was written in honor of the Pakistani teen activist, who was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in 2012, to the Shea on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The program will include excerpts from Yousafzai’s speeches and writings, and will be presented by young participants ages 9 through 16.
Amandla founder Eveline MacDougall said the chorus will perform other freedom songs, as well.
“I’m thrilled to share the song with our local community before we go on the road,” said MacDougall. “The whole thing is a dream come true. It’s my life’s work to sing of justice and to advocate for human rights. The scope of violent incidents around the globe, fueled by hatred, is daunting at times, yet I’m inspired by Malala to continue.”
Yousafzai was just 15 years old when she was shot on her school bus in Mingora, Pakistan. Along with her father, Ziauddin, Yousafzai has been an outspoken critic of the Taliban policies forbidding freedom and educational opportunities for women and girls.
The song Amandla will sing for her — and for those who attend the Shea performance — begins, “Malala! You stand fast for freedom. Your spirit courageous and true. Malala! Your voice was not silenced. You did not let violence stop you.”
It continues, “Some say that these are the dark times, that hope is in shortest supply. Your bravery provides us a beacon, and your wings teach us how to fly.”
Amandla Chorus has performed the song at several Pioneer Valley concerts. MacDougall said it has gotten many positive responses that have been deeply moving for chorus members and the audience.
“I’m grateful the song provides inspiration in these turbulent times,” MacDougall, the mother of a 12-year-old, said. “When I imagine the world my son will inhabit as an adult, it’s easy to feel fearful, to give in to despair. But if Malala can be steadfast, then I can, too.”
The chorus is headed to Providence, R.I.’s Dunkin’ Donuts Center to open for Yousafzai on Thursday, July 28. Malala will give a speech after the chorus performs the song.
Tickets for the Shea performance are $5 for all ages.
The chorus also travels in smaller groups, singing in hospitals, prisons, schools and a wide variety of public rallies, celebration and observances. Some members also sing at the bedsides of people at the end of life.
MacDougall said she is also grateful for such a diverse group of singers.
“Our singers represent many cultures and nations, including Tibet, Greece, India, South Africa, Hungary, Quebec, Puerto Rico, Mali, Poland, Russia and Germany,” she said.
“Life, death and everything in between,” said MacDougall. “Sharing our songs is an incomparable gift.”
For more information about the song and about Amandla, visit: www.amandlachorus.org