of coincidence, and endless recovery

July 9, 2024, 7:00 pm

Target Margin Theater

Presented at the Target Margin Theater in Industry City, Brooklyn, of coincidence, and endless recovery is a compelling new performance piece that delves into the convergence of music, dance, and poetry. Supported by New Music USA’s New Creators Fund, this work is a profound exploration of resistance, beauty, and the interplay between fantasy and flesh in the context of our turbulent times.

In this performance, I engaged new methods of transposition, utilizing casual gestures found in archival documents to allow new music and choreography to emerge through references. This approach underscores that originality is not the goal, but rather a structural framework that divulges fundamental concepts throughout histories often rendered invisible. By transposing these gestures into the present, I aim to create a bridge between the past and the present, allowing for a richer and more nuanced understanding of our shared history.

At the heart of this performance is a string trio, featuring the meticulous and emotive arrangements developed in close collaboration with Malachi Brown. The music is intricately woven from the archival fragments of Florence Price's notebooks and documents, evoking the rich heritage and resilience embodied in her compositions. The result is a soundscape that resonates deeply with my dance, providing a dynamic and ever-shifting foundation for the choreography to unfold.

Drawing inspiration from the powerful poetry of June Jordan, the piece navigates the complexities of identity, resistance, and the myth of the American Dream. Jordan’s words, known for their incisive clarity and evocative imagery, are interspersed throughout the performance, grounding the work in the lived experiences of struggle and triumph.

In collaboration with makeup artist Nina Carelli, I have pushed the boundaries of how my body is represented on stage, challenging conventional perceptions of the body in motion. The makeup design is not merely cosmetic but an integral part of the narrative, transforming and enhancing my presence on stage.

The choreography itself is a testament to the spontaneous and ephemeral nature of creativity. The movements are not scripted but emerge organically from the interaction between the music and my body, capturing the fleeting moments of inspiration and the rawness of human expression. This spontaneity is reflective of the improvisational spirit that characterizes much of contemporary dance, yet it is executed with a precision that speaks to the depth of my practice and discipline.

of coincidence, and endless recovery is set against the backdrop of our current socio-political climate, acknowledging the unprecedented challenges we face while drawing parallels to historical acts of resistance against oppressive regimes. It is a meditation on what happens when we allow ourselves to dream and imagine beyond the confines of reality, invoking a sense of wonder and beauty amidst the toughness of everyday life.

This performance seeks to evoke a visceral response in the viewer, creating a figment of pleasure that lingers. It is a celebration of the magic that occurs when music and dance converge, thus highlighting the transformative power of performance to spark change and inspire hope. of coincidence, and endless recovery presents a mythic energy that transcends narrative form. It is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of performance to reflect and shape the human experience, offering a glimpse into the possibilities that live within the intersection of fantasy and flesh. This work stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of beauty and meaning in the face of adversity.

Special thanks to Malachi Brown, Maggy Simon, Dwayne Beach, Nina Carelli, and Lix for their invaluable contributions to this project.