FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE WHEREVER IT LEADS
Evidence, A Dance Company is recognized nationally and internationally for its fusion of African dance with contemporary choreography and storytelling that combines Cuban, Caribbean, West African and modern American dance movement. A selection of signature works from its repertory will be performed to tell the story and mark the extraordinary history of its ascendancy as one of the leading modern dance companies in the United States. The program at The Broad in Santa Monica this weekend (March 25 & 26, 2016) offers three works choreographed by Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown, who founded the Brooklyn-based company in 1985. The Arts Journal wrote, “Sometimes I think of him as akin to a spiritually inspired basket maker, weaving beautiful strands of dancing together with time-honed skill.”
“The Subtle One” (2014), set to a musical suite by Grammy-nominated pianist Jason Moran, explores the mystic and inspirational relationship between spiritual beings and the society they inhabit. The title, which refers to the creator, derives from one of the many names of Allah. In Arabic “the subtle one” means “the one who whispers things into existence.” The dancers and the music impact each other with this softness, with performers moving as “subtle ones,” affecting one another and the audience as they perceive the world.
“Come Ye” (2002), a tribute to the music and life of Nina Simone and Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is a call to all those living in fear, all those willing to fight for their lives, and ultimately, for peace. The New York Times wrote that Brown “probes so deeply inside the beat that a new groove is born. The theme is liberation by way of revolution, and in the work six dancers, embodying activists and angels, live side by side… they master his movement, each with his or her own quality.”
“Grace” (1999/2004), set to music by Duke Ellington, Roy Davis, Jr. and Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was originally choreographed for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in 1999, but became a part of the Evdience repertory in 2003. “Grace” weaves the story of a Goddess’s journey to Earth to spread grace among humans, ultimately welcoming them to heaven.
As you will find out, Brown’s works are exuberantly relevant and upliftingly spiritual without being pedantic or pious. He provides a unique view of human experience though danced journeys of identity and community.
photo by Ayodele Casel, Basil Childers
Evidence, A Dance Company
Ronald K. Brown, Artistic Director
The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage
1310 11th St in Santa Monica
Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 7:30
for tickets, call 310.434.3200 or visit The Broad
