No Longer Bound, The Musical is a groundbreaking musical written and directed by Kofi Asante that celebrates the journey from enslavement to liberation on Juneteenth, through music, dance, and storytelling. The production focuses on three essential documents: The Declaration of Independence, The Emancipation Proclamation, and General Order #3. The production serves as both an artistic triumph and an economic empowerment model, uniting cultural heritage with workforce and community development.

The show debuted in Philadelphia in 2024 and is positioned for national and international expansion. The production in its workshop phase performed at the Venice Island Theater (Oct 2024), Green Street Friends (Feb 2025) and the Independence Seaport Museum (Feb 2025 and Feb 2026).

Lead by President & CEO, Anita Barnes Cauthorn; Founder/Artistic Director, Kofi Asante; Production Director, Crystal Dailey; and Executive Producer, Wali Hamid, No Longer Bound Productions, Inc. is building a sustainable Black-owned performing arts institution that integrates education, employment, and cultural preservation.

The production engages 35+ artists, and partners with organizations like BMCCP, The Greater Philadelphia YMCA, Sky Diamond Productions, and the Philadelphia Juneteenth Family to extend its reach.

No Longer Bound, The Musical is more than just a story about June 19th, 1865. It is a story of the spirit of a people. A story of a people no longer bound to physical or psychological enslavement. No longer bound to their own hypocrisy. No longer bound to self-hate. No longer bound to the confusion of who they are and whose they are. A man without culture is like a tree without roots. We are free, no longer bound. Every day Juneteenth comes around; a story of triumph.

We also offer shorter lecture/demo presentations, tailored specifically for young audiences, as well as for colleges and universities, and adult audiences. Additionally, the various ensembles within the cast are available for performances, including: The No Longer Bound Singers, Sterlen Barr’s FX Dancers, The No Longer Bound African Percussion Ensemble, and The Alfie Pollit Jazz Trio.

Opening the production is a moving rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, The Black National Anthem. Included in the production is Fanga, one of the oldest traditional African dances that was brought to the United States in the 1950s by Dr Pearl Primus. The choreography of Fanga was created by legendary cultural activist, Arthur Hall, of The Arthur Hall African-American Dance Ensemble. A new musical composition, entitled Ashe, was written by ensemble member, Janet McDonald, with music composed by our renowned Musical Director, Alfie Pollit. Ashe is a Yoruba word that is an affirmation for truth and power. The inspirational theme song, We Are Free, No Longer Bound, was written by Alfie Pollit, James Solomon, and Walter Sorey.

The production also features beloved characters Nat, Shirley, Papa G, and The Juneteenth African Griot who dramatize the story, including passionate monologues, that reference the Emancipation Proclamation and the Declaration of Independence, and place a strong emphasis on maintaining our culture and traditions from an African and African-American perspective.

Our goal is to provide audiences with a sense of cultural awareness, belonging, gratification, and a cross-cultural experience that will provide a greater understanding of the sacrifices that were made to end slavery in the United States of America.