Dance Theatre of Harlem Returns To Auditorium Theatre, 11/18-20

The acclaimed Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) gives three performances at the Auditorium Theatre on November 18, 19, and 20 with a program that includes System, a major new work by choreographer Francesca Harper. The work is supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts, and is inspired by the current social, political, and economic climate in the United States. System was choreographed in collaboration with Dance Theatre of Harlem Dancers who used their own experiences as people of color for inspiration. DTH Artistic Director Virginia Johnson told the Washington Post that System "addresses social justice issues in the Black Lives Matter era" and is "a very contemporary piece, but also very beautiful and uplifting." Chicago Sinfonietta performs John Adams' original music for the piece.

The first round of program partners for the Auditorium Theatre's newly-launched ADMIT ONEprogram will bring 180 people to the opening night performance of Dance Theatre of Harlem. The ADMIT ONE program covers tickets, as well as transportation costs to and from the theatre, to underserved Chicagoland after-school and neighborhood groups and social service agencies. The groups also will experience a pre-show engagement organized by the Auditorium Theatre's Creative Engagement Department.

The four groups attending the November 18 performance of Dance Theatre of Harlem are Donda's House, an organization that honors the legacy of Dr. Donda West (Kanye West's mother), which provides programs for aspiring songwriters, rappers, singers, fashion designers, and more; Marquette Avenue Block Club, a neighborhood group that works to create a happier, safer community in the South Shore area; Beyond the Bell Austin, which works to expose teens and their parents from Chicago's west side to the performing arts; and Matteson Youth Athletic Association Donors, a not-for-profit youth football league that recently added a dance program.

The presentation of System by Francesca Harper is made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

The 2016-17 Dance Series Sponsor is NIB Foundation. The 2016-17 Student Matinee Sponsors are The PrivateBank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation.

Performance and Ticket Information

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Friday, November 18 | 7:30PM

Saturday, November 19 | 7:30PM

Sunday, November 20 | 3PM

Tickets start at $30, and are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Parkway). Discounts available for groups of 10+. Dance Theatre of Harlem is part of the International Dance Series and Inspiration Series, which offers a 30% discounted subscription online at AuditoriumTheatre.org.

Friday, November 18 | 11AM (Student Matinee)

One-hour student matinee tickets for Dance Theatre of Harlem are $10 and are available at 312.341.2357 or sales@auditoriumtheatre.org. Please find more information on the Auditorium's Student Matinee program at AuditoriumTheatre.org.