In the heart of Beaufort, South Carolina, the vibrant spirit of the Sea Islands finds its voice through the Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater. This isn’t just a performing arts group; it is a living, breathing cultural institution dedicated to weaving the rich tapestry of Gullah history into the modern world. At the center of this movement is Anita Singleton-Prather, a native of these very islands whose life’s work has earned her the title “Keeper of the Culture.” With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Howard University and a master’s from the University of South Carolina, Anita possesses a unique blend of academic insight and deep-rooted heritage that fuels her mission to educate and inspire.
Bringing the Lowcountry to Life: The Journey of Anita Singleton-Prather and the Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater
Anita’s reach extends far beyond the stage. As a curriculum coordinator for the “Education of Gullah Culture Through the Arts,” she ensures that the history of her people isn’t just remembered, but taught with passion. Many may recognize her from appearances on CNN’s United Shades of America, The Cooking Channel, or PBS, where her landmark production, “Circle Unbroken: Gullah Journey from Africa to America,” reached a nationwide audience. Perhaps her most beloved creation is the animated Aunt Pearlie Sue. Developed with South Carolina Educational Television, this delightful persona acts as a bridge between generations, using storytelling to introduce children to Gullah traditions through interactive media.
The theater itself is a vessel for storytelling, featuring four original plays penned by Singleton-Prather that resonate with the echoes of the past. In Christmas Wish… Freedom, audiences are transported to the Civil War era to experience the bittersweet anticipation of liberty. The production Decoration Day honors the formerly enslaved Gullah people who first began the tradition of honoring fallen Union soldiers, while Circle Unbroken: Da’ Dreamers draws a powerful line between the legacies of Robert Smalls and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Even the often-overlooked Gullah contributions to the founding of the nation are brought to light in Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience.
The legacy of the Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater is one of continuous impact. From a massive 20,000-square-foot traveling exhibition curated with the Children’s Museum of Houston to regular performances at the Original Gullah Festival, the mission never wavers. Anita’s decades of selfless service culminated in 2024 when she was honored with the Lifetime President’s Volunteer Service Award. Today, she and her kinfolk continue to travel, ensuring that the Gullah story—a story of resilience, rhythm, and revolution—remains an unbroken circle for years to come.
Readers are invited to experience the Gullah Traveling Theater’s acclaimed production, “Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience,” which returns to the May River Theatre in Bluffton on July 18, 2026. This original musical offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history and culture of the Lowcountry through the untold stories of Gullah heroes and sheroes. Two performances will be held at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, providing an immersive theatrical journey that celebrates the resilience and enduring legacy of the Gullah Geechee people.
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