‘Strike at the Wind’ cleans up Oct. 15

By Lesley Covington
Staff Writer

UNCP and the Pembroke community have the opportunity to help bring back the outdoor musical drama "Strike at the Wind" by volunteering for Community Clean-up Day.

The clean-up day is Oct. 15 at the Adolph L. Dial Amphitheater on 638 Terry Sanford Road. Work will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to paint, sweep, rake, cook and clean.

Everyone is invited to participate, said Kay Oxendine, Student Government Association administrative assistant and program director for "Strike at the Wind."

The drama, re-opening July 1, 2006, will rely heavily on volunteers to ensure a successful season.

"When you give your time, there's never a price you can put on that," Oxendine said of volunteering.

The "Strike at the Wind" website describes the drama as being about the Lumbee Indians, the Civil War, justice, betrayal and "one man's heroic efforts to save

his family and his nation."

The drama was not performed during the summer

2005 season, but Dr. Malinda M. Lowery, president of Carolina Arts Network, said there has been a renewed interest in the drama ever since it closed.

"Strike at the Wind" is an inseparable part of the Lumbee identity,” Lowery said. "It is a pillar of Lumbee culture."

Laury Chavis, a UNCP student, performed in the drama for five years.

"It was a lot of hard work, but I love it. I was hoping it would re-open last summer," Chavis said.

Anyone interested in participating in the clean-up or donating tools or supplies for the project can call (910) 521-0835 or (910) 521-5580.