Kyle Abraham to Bring New Work to MASS MoCA, 10/18-19

A Jacob's Pillow Dance Award recipient, MacArthur "Genius" Fellow, and critically lauded choreographer who pairs diverse movement styles with issues of social and historical significance, Kyle Abraham brings his newest work to MASS MoCA October 18 and 19 in a co-presentation with Jacob's Pillow, made possible by the Irene Hunter Fund for Dance. The Watershed is an evening-length work in Abraham's signature blend of classical form, postmodern invention, and urban influences, performed by Abraham and his accomplished company, Abraham.In.Motion. Performances will be held at MASS MoCA's Hunter Center, in North Adams, Mass.

Tackling subject matter from the Emancipation Proclamation to the end of Apartheid in South Africa and set to a score that incorporates contemporary cello, soul favorites, and more, The Watershed is at once an elegant, physically electrifying choreographic work and a provocative sociopolitical reflection. Ella Baff, Executive and Artistic Director of Jacob's Pillow, describes Kyle Abraham's work as "passionate, intelligent, earnest, and always beautifully danced."

Part of a body of new work by Kyle Abraham exploring themes of particular political and historical relevance, The Watershed commemorates 150 years since Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and 20 years since the abolishment of Apartheid in South Africa. Abraham combines contemporary and classical music and movement in a reflection on the past grounded in the avant-garde, with choreography tracing effortlessly from serpentine ripples to abrupt sharpness. The Watershed draws inspiration from noted composer and percussionist Max Roach's album "We Insist: Max Roach's Freedom Now Suite," created and recorded in commemoration of the Emancipation Proclamation. Scenic design by visual artist Glenn Ligon, known for his work with text which often deals with issues of identity, creates an atmospheric onstage environment.

Kyle Abraham was named a MacArthur "Genius" Fellow in 2013, the year after he received the Jacob's Pillow Dance Award. In 2011, OUT Magazine labeled him the "best and brightest creative talent to emerge in New York City in the age of Obama." Abraham was born into hip-hop culture in the late 1970s and grounded into an artistic upbringing in classical cello, piano, and the visual arts. The goal of Abraham's movement is to delve into identity in relation to a personal history. Abraham recently created a new work, Counterpoint, for seven members of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, which premiered at Chicago Dancing Festival as one of three world premieres commissioned by the festival; other commissions include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and many others, as well as continuing to choreograph for his own company of astonishing dancers.

Abraham established Abraham.In.Motion in 2006 with the mission to create an evocative interdisciplinary body of work. The work of A/I/M intertwines a sensual and provocative vocabulary with a strong emphasis on sound, human behavior, and all things visual in an effort to create an avenue for personal investigation and exposure on stage. A/I/M is a representation of dancers from various disciplines and diverse personal backgrounds who come together to create fresh and unique movement. Abraham.In.Motion appeared at the Pillow most recently in 2013, following engagements in 2011 and 2010; Kyle Abraham also recently choreographed and performed at the Pillow with New York City Ballet Principal Wendy Whelan in the world-premiere of Restless Creature.

Following the performance, Jacob's Pillow Executive and Artistic Director Ella Baff will lead a post-show discussion with artists from Abraham.In.Motion.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!