Angelou on Burns

Maya Angelou was a poor, black, female mute from Arkansas who fell in love with poetry when she "met" Robert Burns at the age of 8. Upon the bi-centenary of his birth she returns to Burns' birthplace where she is to be feted and entertained with performances of his romantic and political poetry. Thrilling, authentic performance sequences are blended with Angelou's pilgrimage to Burns Cottage, the Burns Room of Glasgow's Mitchell Library, and sites of the Scottish struggle for freedom, spearheaded by William Wallace (a.k.a. Mel Gibson in a skirt). Along the way, Angelou draws interesting parallels between the circumstances of the Scottish fight for independence and the stateside African-American experience. The program concludes with poet and performers joining hands and voices in a rousing Auld Lang Syne--a tableau suggestive of We Shall Overcome. A wonderful, radiant portrait of two artists, a scintillating exploration of the arts in general and a powerful statement promoting freedom and equality. Rich in detail, intellectually satisfying, and emotionally gratifying--they don't get any better than this one. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)