My second grade teacher used my love of storytelling to teach me how to read and write. This made
the concept of using theater in this manner very personal and empowering.
Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
” data-original-title title>Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor (born, Morgan James Peters), a multi-talented musician, playwright, educator, and cultural advocate, has dedicated his career to elevating the arts within historically underrepresented communities. As a founding member and Artistic Director of the Oversoul Theatre Collective, Inc. (OTC), Mwalim’s work over the last 30 years has been pivotal in creating spaces for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists to thrive, particularly on Cape Cod and in New Bedford, MA.
Founded in 1994 by a group of Wampanoag, Nipmuc, Cape Verdean, African American, and Afro-Caribbean artists, OTC emerged as a vital platform to address the lack of opportunities for BIPOC creatives within the region’s existing arts scene. These founders saw the need for spaces where artists could develop and present works that were not only reflective of their diverse communities but also accessible to those communities. OTC’s early years were marked by vibrant presentations of theater, concerts, poetry readings, film screenings, and youth workshops that enriched Cape Cod’s cultural landscape.
” data-original-title title>Mwalim , the use of theater as an educational tool is deeply personal. I was late in learning how to read,” he recalls. My second grade teacher used my love of storytelling to teach me how to read and write. This made the concept of using theater in this manner very personal and empowering.” Mwalim’s leadership in developing programs like the New African Method—which uses theater and improvisational performance to enhance literacy and critical thinking skills—has left an indelible mark on youth participants throughout the region.
Mwalim, with his background in theater and music, quickly became the driving force behind OTC’s efforts. His leadership was instrumental in expanding the collective’s impact, bringing performances and workshops to New Bedford by 1997. These programs, often in collaboration with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and Gallery X, introduced local youth to the New African Method, a groundbreaking approach that uses improvisational theater to enhance literacy and critical thinking skills.
” data-original-title title>Mwalim co-founded a branch of the organization in the Bronx, New York, called the Urban Expressionist’s Lab. This initiative provided theater and writing workshops at The Point CDC, empowering community members to share their voices through the arts. Over the years, OTC became a launchpad for hundreds of young artists, many of whom went on to careers in theater, film, and media production. Mwalim’s mentorship has been a key part of this success, guiding participants from youth programs to professional careers.
” data-original-title title>Mwalim notes that middle school was a difficult time for him socially and developmentally. Music class and short stories in English class were two of the things that kept me engaged,” he shares. People like Paul Robeson, Prince, Ishmael Reed, and Shel Silverstein served as early inspirations, giving Mwalim a glimpse into what I wanted to do when I grew up.”
After a brief hiatus from 2013 to 2019, OTC re-emerged under the fiscal sponsorship of Song Keepers, LTD, with a renewed commitment to arts programming. In 2019, the collective presented an experiential theater production that ran throughout the summer in Provincetown, Massachusetts, marking its return to the local arts scene. During the COVID-19 pandemic, OTC adapted to virtual programming, hosting online writer’s workshops and a jazz festival, keeping its mission alive in a time of isolation.
Today, OTC is back with a fresh focus on New Bedford, where it has taken up residence at the Underground Railroad Café in the Bay Village neighborhood. This historic area, home to generations of Cape Verdean, West Indian, and African American communities, provides the perfect backdrop for OTC’s latest offerings. Through its residency, OTC has introduced dynamic programs such as:
THURSDAY BLUES: A monthly jazz and blues jam session and workshop.
- The Griot’s Corner: A spoken-word and literary open mic/workshop for poets, storytellers, and playwrights.
- The Thump & Soul Session: An underground dance music gathering featuring DJs and live performances.
These events not only provide entertainment but also serve as vital platforms for BIPOC artists and audiences to connect, create, and share their stories.
In addition to his work with OTC, Mwalim is a tenured professor of English and Black Studies at UMass Dartmouth, where he has influenced countless students through his teachings on African Diaspora folklore, creative writing, and cultural studies. He is also an accomplished musician and composer, with deep roots in jazz, soul, funk, and orchestral music. A six-time Grammy-nominated bandleader for The GroovaLottos, Mwalim has made significant contributions to the music world, most recently with his solo album Thunderchild, released in June 2024.
His musical journey began at a young age, playing the viola and performing at Carnegie Hall by the time he was 14. His early experiences in New York’s music scene shaped his multifaceted career as a performer, composer, and producer. Today, as President and Head of Production at Polyphonic Studios in Wareham, MA, Mwalim continues to influence the next generation of musicians through projects with Poly-Groove Records.
As Oversoul Theatre Collective enters its 30th year, the organization’s work has never been more critical. In an era where the importance of cultural representation and community engagement is increasingly recognized, OTC’s programs offer a beacon of opportunity for artists and audiences alike. Under Mwalim’s leadership, OTC remains a key player in the effort to bring high-quality, culturally relevant arts programming to Cape Cod and New Bedford, places deeply connected to Mwalim’s own Wampanoag and Bajan heritage.
By creating a space for BIPOC artists to flourish, OTC not only preserves the rich cultural traditions of these communities but also ensures that future generations will have the tools and platforms needed to express themselves through the arts. The future looks bright, with Mwalim and OTC continuing to build bridges between artistic expression, cultural pride, and community development.
For aspiring artists, community members, and supporters of the arts, the work of Mwalim and the Oversoul Theatre Collective offers exciting new possibilities. Through innovative programs, live events, and educational opportunities, OTC is poised to shape the artistic and cultural landscape of New Bedford and beyond for years to come.