A collection of solo dance works by African-American choreographer and Ohio University Assistant Professor Travis Gatling will focus on themes and issues faced by African-American males.
The concert, "My Brother's Keeper," will be presented at 8 p.m. Jan. 18 and 19 in the Putnam Studio Theater.
Funded in part by a grant for the Ohio University Research Committee, "My Brother's Keeper" will feature work by Wayne Smith, assistant professor of dance at Emory University; James Frazier, associate director of the Dance Institute of Washington; Rodni Williams; Ronald K. Brown and Earl Mosley.
Smith's brainchild, "On Never Ending (Moonlight Blue)" lightheartedly deals with the identity crisis of an African-American gay male. The work will be performed by Gatling and features the soulful music of Ella Fitzgerald.
Frazier created "Presence" specifically for "My Brother's Keeper." It is a statement of one man's existence, and assertion of his presence. It features music by Rashan Roland Kirk.
"Upon Entrance," choreographed by Williams, deals with the HIV and AIDS epidemic faced by the African-American community, more specifically African-American gay men.
Gatling's "In my Father's Light" reflects on feelings of grief and acceptance and is based on his personal experience in dealing with the death of his father.
"King Servant," created by Brown, uses images of royalty and servitude to show the experience of the African American male as a descendant of kings and victims of oppression.
Mosley's work, "Letting Go," is a tribute to Kevin Iega Jeff, a choreographer and friend to Mosley, as well as a response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Through "Letting Go," Mosley encourages viewers to continue the healing process after tragedy.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased for $7 at the ticket office in Kantner Hall or by calling (740) 593-4800.
