HADIYA World Premiere and More Set for Deeply Rooted Dance Theater's GENERATIONS Project Tonight

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT), which creates world-class dance inspired by the African Diaspora in a community dedicated to nurturing artists, supporting human relationships and sharing common values through engaging in dance, kicks off Generations, a five-year multigenerational repertory project premiering tonight, November 1 at 8 p.m. at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park in Chicago.

Serving as Honorary Chair of the Generations Host Committee is Tony Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated actress Phylicia Rashad. Said DRDT Artistic Director/Co-Founder Kevin Iega Jeff: "In 1979, I joined the original cast of Broadway's The Wiz, where I had the sheer pleasure of working in the chorus with Phylicia Rashad. She was an inspired example of talent, humility, professionalism, fun and grace, and in addition, she loves and appreciates the beauty and power of good dancing. Because of these qualities, we invited her to serve as Honorary Chair of our first Generations season and were thrilled when she accepted."

Generations underscores the company's impact on dance in Chicago and abroad and highlights the work of artists who have been part of the company's continuum. These artists include emerging choreographers mentored by experienced artistic leaders in the process of discovering their voices; established choreographers who have gained recognition and national and international acclaim; and legendary choreographers who have created a body of groundbreaking work and, as master teachers and choreographers, have trained and inspired others as well.

The November 1 program features the world premiere of Hadiya by emerging choreographer Nicole Clarke-Springer, with music by Nasser Alqatami, Oliver Nelson and Marcelo Zarvos. "On January 29, 2013, 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton was shot in the back and killed while standing with friends inside Harsh Park in Chicago," said Clarke-Springer. "My initial reaction was, 'Where was her covering? Where was the disconnect? Hadiya explores the connect, disconnect and reconnection of the human spirit to spiritual forces." Hadiya Project Workshops for youth take place during the week leading up to the Harris performance, giving participants opportunities to reflect upon and express their reactions to street violence and its impact on themselves, underserved youth and broader American communities.

On the heels of its successful residency and performances as the first U.S. company in the international festival JOMBA! in Durban, South Africa, DRDT will perform work those audiences experienced, billed collectively as "The Dance We Dance Suite" with choreography by established choreographers DRDT Artistic Director/Co-Founder Kevin Iega Jeff and Associate Artistic Director/Co-Founder Gary Abbott. The suite features company repertoire reflecting the soul's journey through human experience, introspection, self-discovery and acts of free will:

· Prologue: Oluwa by Kevin Iega Jeff, music by Quincy Jones, Claus Ogerman and Patti Austin

· The Dance We Dance (excerpt) by Gary Abbott, with griot and youth choreography by Kevin Iega Jeff, music by Bobby McFerrin

· Resonant Untruth by Krystal Hall-Glass, music by Sam Cooke and The Last Poets

· Just... Miss Sadie (Heaven solo) by Gary Abbott, music by Ruth Brown Linda Hopkins, Hound Dog Taylor and Jimmy Scott, text by Shonnese C.L. Coleman

· Wild is the Wind by Kevin Iega Jeff, music by Nina Simone

· In His Name by Anthony Marshall, music by Prince and Michael Pluzick

· Church of Nations by Kevin Iega Jeff, music by Ennio Morricone and The Art of Noise

· Surrender by Kevin Iega Jeff, music by Hans Zimmer and Terence Trent D'Arby

Following the Chicago debut, Generations will travel to New York City for performances in the James and Martha Duffy Performance Space at the Mark Morris Dance Center November 15-17.

The mission of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, founded in 1995, is to re-imagine and diversify the aesthetics of contemporary dance by bringing together modern, classical and African-American traditions in dance. In its uncompromising pursuit of excellence in performance, the development of new choreography, the training of dancers and the creation of a diverse audience, the company seeks to demonstrate how art and beauty play a transformative role in society.

Deeply Rooted programs are partially supported by The Alphawood Foundation; A City Arts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; MacArthur Funds from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; The Irving Harris Fund; and the Deeply Rooted Family of Friends. For more information about DRDT, call 312-795-9777 or visit deeplyrooteddancetheater.org.

Generations in Chicago takes place Friday, November 1 at 8 p.m. at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr., Chicago. Tickets are $40-65; a 1$50 VIP ticket includes a post-performance reception with the choreographers and dancers. Tickets go on sale September 1 at the Harris Theater box office, 312-334-7777 and harristheaterchicago.org.