The "Fairytale Project" is inspired by the historical accounts of Jim and Winnie Shankle. Jim, Winnie, and their children were separated when Winnie's master sold her and their children to a slaveholder in Deep East Texas. Unwilling to live without his family, Jim Shankle tested his faith by escaping slavery and making the journey to East Texas through dense forests and the Mississippi River. Reuniting under a Sycamore tree, the reunited couple along with other community members founded "Shankleville" which is one of Texas' many Freedom Colonies. Their descendants honor and commemorate their resilience, bravery, and LOVE. This production is made possible with support from Harris County Cultural Arts Council, Discovery Green, Rising Stars Academy of Dance, Dance Source Houston, The JKW Foundation, The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs through Houston Arts Alliance, and Houston BIPOC Arts Network Fund.
There will be an educational preview on Wednesday, May 18th at 10am at Harris County Cultural Arts Council. The full production will premiere at Discovery Green on Sunday, June 26th at 5pm.