The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts presents Ronald K. Brown Evidence, A Dance Company on January 15 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Target® World Music and Dance Series. The dance company’s highlighted piece is a new, Ordway co-commissioned work titled “On Earth Together.”
Founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1985, Evidence focuses on the seamless fusion of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography. The company’s work provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies and triumphs told through the movement and grace of the dance art form. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African-American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African dance forms and rhythms.
“We are delighted to welcome back Ronald K. Brown Evidence after their hugely successful engagement at the Ordway in 2008,” says Patricia A. Mitchell, Ordway president and CEO.
Repertoire scheduled for the Ordway’s public performance includes:
“On Earth Together” is a testimony and commitment to making the world a better place: a loving and compassionate place that celebrates a greater world-view. Stevie Wonder’s music is the focus and inspiration behind this piece, which allows dancers to intimately express relationships between individuals and the world at large. “On Earth Together” is co-commissioned by the Ordway and other national institutions, each choosing a song that represents their role in the creation. The Ordway’s Stevie Wonder song is “They Won’t Go When I Go.”
“Grace” weaves the story of a Goddess’ journey to Earth to spread grace among humans, ultimately welcoming them to heaven. It was originally choreographed back in 1999 for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and was added to Evidence’s repertoire in 2003. The dance work is set to the music of Duke Ellington, Roy Davis Jr. and Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
“IFE/My Heart” looks at the parallel journey of three traditions towards love/IFE (loving one another the way God loves us). Performers will be dressed in costumes representing the United States, Cuba and West Africa. The piece implores audience members to release their hearts in response to the conflicts and conditions in the world and in personal relationships.
Brown’s use of history, tradition and dance forms from Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa are prevalent throughout performances. Works are performed to cultural music, poems, historical texts, spoken word and letters. Brown is inspired by writers who are activists and who write about individual and collective responsibility.
Earlier this month, Brown visited the Ordway and Saint Paul for a series of community engagement classes focused on his new work “On Earth Together.” Brown visited with students at Journeys Secondary School; taught master classes at TU Dance Center; held movement workshops at Macalester College; and held praise dance classes at Mount Olivet Baptist Church and Living Word Church. Brown connected with residents by sharing his ethos and dance technique.
The Ordway Extra prior to Evidence’s public performance on January 15 starts at 6:30 p.m. and features community members who worked with Brown in the dance master classes and faith-based workshops as a part of his pre-show visit. The conversation will highlight the inspiration and knowledge these community members have gained from Brown, his community work, and his dance company Evidence. Following the public performance, all ticket holders are welcome to join the company for music and mingling during the post-show party in the Marzitelli Foyer.
A master class will also be held during Brown’s time in Saint Paul in January. The dance master class will feature movement phrases from company repertoire. The master class will be held in the Ordway’s Drake Room on Tuesday, January 17 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Brown has received numerous awards and fellowships for his accomplishments including: John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship in Choreography, a National Endowment for the Arts Choreographer’s Fellowship, a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Choreography, the New York Dance and Performing Award and a Black Theater Alliance Award. In addition, he was named Def Dance Jam Workshop Mentor of the Year in 2000.
