ASU Gammage presents Ronald K. Brown EVIDENCE, A Dance Company

Founded by Ronald K. Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, Evidence, A Dance Company focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography. Through its vibrant and soulful dance works, Evidence provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. Known for his musicality and brilliant use of stage space Brown’s movement reinforces the importance of community in African American culture. His work acquaints audiences with his kinetic storytelling style through movement with a message that showcases the beauty of contemporary dance blended with traditional African forms and rhythms. He is an advocate for the growth of the African American dance community and is instrumental in encouraging young dancers to choreograph and to develop careers in dance.

Program includes:
New Conversations: Iron Meets Water
Come Ye
Oder My Steps

NEW CONVERSATIONS: IRON MEETS WATER (2018)
With an original score by Afro Latin Jazz composer, Arturo O’Farrill, the newest addition to the EVIDENCE, A Dance Company repertory looks at the invaluable guidance and healing that female ancestors provide. In Iron Meets Water, Ron and Arturo explore Afro-Cuban elements in each other’s work, and what can be learned from Oxossi – the Orisha of hunting and justice, seen in the male/female form. Arturo has created a score that “responds to the tension, agitation and liberation that can be found in the dancers’ movement.” Ron is excited to explore the Afro-Cuban and spiritual elements he feels in Arturo’s original composition. Their work together is sure to captivate dance and music lovers everywhere.

COME YE (2003)
Come Ye is a call to all those living in fear, all those willing to fight for their lives, and ultimately, for peace. This multimedia work utilizes Mr. Brown’s signature style of kinetic storytelling through African, Caribbean, modern, ballet and social dance styles to summon warriors, angels and activists dedicated to the pursuit of liberation and peace amidst the strug­gles of human conflict. This work includes music by Nina Simone (“Come Ye,” “Sunday in Savannah,” and “Revolution”) and Fela Kuti (“Kalakuta” and “Coffin for Head of State”) and a video collage by Robert Penn.

ORDER MY STEPS (2005)
Order My Steps takes its title from Psalms 119 and explores ideas behind the scripture and seeing one’s life as a path. What is our direction? Is it correct and how do we deter-mine that? This contemporary dance is used as a vehicle to investigate the sense of purpose and obedience that comes into play when one recognizes “a calling.” Thematically, most of Evidence’s work presents a universal perspective that connects to more than one spiritual practice or ideology. Conversely, Order My Steps is fueled by a specific inspirational text. Narration by Chadwick Boseman is included as well as music by Fred Hammond (“Success Is In Your Hands”), Terry Riley (“Echoes of Primordial Time” and “Mongolian Winds,” performed by Kronos Quartet) and Bob Marley (“War/No More Trouble” and “Exodus”).