Movement Workshop Group to Present RACINE D'OR, 7/11-12

Movement Workshop Group and four-time Grammy nominee Cedric Watson will present the world premiere of Racine D'or, an original theatrical presentation inspired by Cajun folklore, at The Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts.

The announcement was made today by Leslie Guyton, the artistic director of Movement Workshop Group.

Drawing from the tall tales of Cajun culture and the diversity of Louisiana, Racine D'or combines contemporary dance theater with traditional Zydeco music, blending Louisiana Creole French with American folk and blues to create a sound all its own.

Imagine a world where the air is thick and the trees are heavy. The land is soft and the waters of the Mississippi lap the shore with an ever-steady heartbeat. The sun dips low, casting a warm glow through the river reeds. The stars awaken, heralding a magic hour. This isRacine D'or, the story of four friends who encounter the joys of innocence and the temptations of trouble and in doing so discover the destruction of community - and what each of them has to do to restore it.

Racine D'or is composed by Cedric Watson and Colin Summers. It features direction by Leslie Guyton with choreography by Leslie Guyton and Stephanie Jingle. Scenic and costume design is by Katherine Day. Lighting design is by Erik Fox.

The cast of Racine D'or features Quincy Ellis, Stephanie Jingle, Ikeem McCord, Nessa Norich, Sandra Passirani, Colin Summersand Lisa Woods with ensemble dancers Summer Bills, Justin Bourdet, Olney Edmondson, Collin Frazier, Shannon Jones, Eileen Klugh, Natali Micciche, Laura Murphy, Myssi Robinson and Julie Seal.

Racine D'or features musical performances by Cedric Watson Et Bijou Creole (Cedric Watson, Desiree Champagne, Tyler Sonnier, Kyle Gambino and Casual-T).

Performances will be held on Thursday, July 11 and Friday, July 12 at 7:30pm. The July 11 performance will feature a post-performance talkback with the director, composers and cast.

Tickets ($20 - $35, with student tickets available for $15 - $20) are available by visiting www.KumbleTheater.org.

The Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts is located at Long Island University - Brooklyn, accessible via the 2,3,4 and 5 trains to Nevins Street, the B, M, Q and R to DeKalb Avenue and the A, C or G to Hoyt-Schermerhorn Street.

The creation of Racine D'or was funded in part by support from the Brooklyn Arts Council.

For more information, visit www.MovementWorkshopGroup.org.