This week, Chelsea-based artists Anna Myer and Jay Paris revealed plans to present their dance performance at Boston’s Emerson venue next month. The pair has also secured funding from the National Endowment for the Arts to expand the production to Baltimore and New York City.
The performance, titled ‘Invisible: Imprints of Racism,’ will run for four nights at the Semel Theatre in the Emerson/Tufte Performance and Production Center on March 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. A grant from the NEA will support the subsequent tour to Baltimore and New York.
This hour-long work examines the deep psychosocial and racial issues embedded in American society. Nine dancers perform using varied movement styles that blend Hip Hop and Krump energy with modern dance technique. Accompanying the dancers is a trio of Boston poets whose narratives unfold alongside the choreography. Following each performance, Quentin James, a mediator and subject matter expert, will lead a facilitated audience discussion. The production aims to prompt reflection on racism’s challenges while celebrating our common humanity. Eight of the nine professional dancers are people of color, and the company’s racial diversity informs the collaborative approach that shapes the emotionally nuanced stories presented.
‘Invisible: Imprints of Racism’ represents the newest creation from beheard.world, an organization dedicated to using film, performing arts and advocacy to provide communities with transformative platforms for visibility and voice. Anna Myer and Jay Paris, the company’s creative leads, began developing this piece 18 months ago, driven by their ensemble’s strong racial diversity and commitment to addressing one of America’s most pressing and complex issues. Their previous works have been performed on Boston and New York stages as well as fully illuminated inner city basketball courts, spaces where sophisticated art is seldom shown. Many of their productions feature live orchestras and original compositions by Boston-based musicians.
The Semel Theater presentations of ‘Invisible: Imprints of Racism’ mark the work’s debut on a Boston stage, with additional performances planned throughout the region, New York City and Baltimore.
Ticket prices are $35 and $25 for students and Boston Dance Alliance members. Reservations can be made by calling (617) 824-8000.