OGDEN — Weber State University is celebrating Black History Month with a free musical performance of “Ain’t I a Woman,” which delves into the lives of four powerful African-American women.

The show by touring theater group Core Ensemble digs into the lives of ex-slave and abolitionist Sojourner Truth, renowned novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, folk artist Clementine Hunter and civil rights worker Fannie Lou Hamer.

Actress Shinnerrie Jackson plays each character and interacts with a musical trio of piano, percussion and cello. The music will feature sounds of the deep south, jazz and music by black composers.

Teresa Martinez, diversity and inclusive programs coordinator for WSU, said the university tried to get the show for last year, so when it was available this year, they snagged it.

“It’s a very heartfelt type of musical theater production,” Martinez said.

WHAT: “Ain’t I a Woman”

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17

WHERE: Val A. Browning Center Austad Auditorium, Weber State Uniersity, 3848 Harrison Blvd.

ADMISSION: Free; no tickets required. Patrons will be seated on a first come, first serve basis.

Core Ensemble has been touring since 1993 and has performed in every region in the United States, as well as internationally. Part of the group’s trademark is to combine narrative and musical performance.

“‘Ain’t I a Woman!’ provides a set of performance pieces for us to consider during Black History Month,” said Adrienne Gillespie Andrews, chief diversity officer, in a news release about the show. “This program does more than teach a curriculum in black history, it teaches American history, focusing on the power of individuals to embody character traits that helped them make critical decisions at pivotal points in their lives.”

On aspect of the show Martinez appreciates is its ability to entertain and educate people at the same time. 

“Normally you would read about this in history or text books. This brings these people to life,” Martinez said. Because of this, the show’s organizers are hoping to bring in school groups to see the daytime production, which is appropriate for all ages.

“I anticipate a warm response and lively reflection following this dynamic event,” Andrews said.

Weber State University’s office of the president, office of cultural affairs, and diversity and inclusive programs are presenting the show for free. Martinez said whenever it can, the university tries to make events free to the public or at least cost effective. There will be two performances at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in the Austad Auditorium of WSU’s Browning Center.

“We try to work with each other so we can give back to the community,” she said. “This type of education is valuable.”