See A Rap on Race Friday, Nov. 16 at 8:00 pm.
The forthcoming Spectrum Dance Theater’s production (November 16, 2018) of A Rap On Race will provide George Mason University Center for the Arts patrons an opportunity to experience a progressive new art form, both entertaining and provocative, possibly expanding the repertoire of what draws them to the performing arts. As set out in its website, the Spectrum Dance Theater’s mission is “to produce and present contemporary dance of global caliber that challenges expectations and calls forth strong emotions, deep feelings and thoughtful responses. An important component of its mission is dance as an art form and as a social/civic instrument.”
In line with this mission and as part of a series of performances with a “Raceish” theme, Spectrum Dance’s renowned Choreographer and Artistic Director Donald Byrd and award-winning Actress/Playwright Anna Deavere Smith co-created A Rap On Race. The work premiered in May 2016 in association with the Seattle Repertory Theatre. A Rap On Race is “a creative inquiry on the role that race and ethnicity play in our society. It is a quest for a new kind of theatre where movement, dance, text, imagery, music, and sound co-exist to create an experience that nudges, prods, entices, seduces, and provokes the feeling and intellect of the spectator – a theater of mind, senses, and soul.” (spectrumdance.org)
The theatrical narrative of A Rap On Race is based on a remarkable face-to-face conversation which took place on a New York City stage in 1970 between noted Anthropologist Margaret Mead (age 69) and famed American writer James Baldwin (46). The dialogue was audio-taped and then published as a book in 1971. The two protagonists discuss their learnings and experiences of race relations over the years. Literary blogger Maria Popova has characterized the discussion as a “rare conversation on forgiveness and the difference between guilt and responsibility” (brainpickings.org). In one particularly stirring statement, James Baldwin himself noted, “We’ve got to be as clear-headed about human beings as possible, because we are still each other’s only hope.” In the production, the focus shifts back-and-forth from narrative to dance, as the players use mesmerizing movements, both graceful and profane, that underscore the thoughtful dialogue. The production also seems to extend the “fusion” technique found in some contemporary music to the “fusion” of artistic movements and conversation in the dance and theater worlds. Indeed, the performance is informed, fittingly, by an original musical score of famed jazz artist Charles Mingus. A special feature of this production is that the Spectrum’s Artistic Director Donald Byrd narrates the part of Baldwin, while well-known actress Julie Briskman takes on the role of Mead.
As CFA Programming Manager Adrienne Bryant Godwin recently noted, “It will be interesting to compare this historic conversation, and the dramatic elements it inspired, to today’s discussions to see how they have changed, or not changed. It also will allow us to reflect on society and how we, today, are looking at race.” During the Artists in Conversation event to follow the performance there will be an opportunity to do just that - engage in an exchange of reflections on the show. The event will be the second Artists in Conversation of the 2018-2019 Great Performance Season and is free for FCFA members at the Contributor level and above ($150+). A member, or members, of the Spectrum Dance Theater will lead a kind of talk-back discussion during which the artist(s) will seek input from the Friends as to their impressions of the performance, as well as answering Friends’ questions. This informal, yet thoughtful gathering will include servings of light refreshments.
Don’t forget to come early for the Pre-Performance Discussion featured at all Great Performances at Mason events! And you might want to alert any Mason students you know of this opportunity to experience an exciting mélange of contemporary theater, dance, and music right on campus!
Save the Date
Each season, the Friends of the Center for the Arts hosts five Artists in Conversation events. These lively events provide members of the Contributor level or higher ($150+) with a behind-the-scenes look into the Great Performances at Mason season and the new Family Series. Hosted by guest artists and members of Mason's faculty, these events are sure to bring you in up close and personal with the art that the Center has to offer! This season, Friends can look forward to events celebrating the upcoming performance:
Spectrum Dance Theater: A Rap On Race, Friday, November 16, 8 p.m.