“Mandoline” examines a unique musical instrument called the Mandoline-Banjo, popular in the decades surrounding the turn of the 20th century. Patented as a “hybrid” between the European mandolin and the African banjo brought to America by slaves,  its design and usage embodied a significant moment in American history where the blending of cultures, and traditions combined in the form of music and invention. 

The story of this instrument represents the larger social, political, cultural, and economic situation of the time and provides a useful lens through which we can examine issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our present culture.
 
A comprehensive history of the Mandoline-Banjo does not exist and is is long overdue. Currently, I am working with documentary filmmaker Shari Thompson to write and design a short-form documentary on this instrument.