Resident Artists
WACO is committed to developing new contemporary work, to grow the 21st century Black arts cannon. Resident artists receive design, tech and production resources to create bold, new ideas for our audiences.
Keeper of Sadness is a work-in-progress dance presentation, that illuminates the countless contributions that Black women have made to ensure the livelihood of others. Choreographed by Seattle-based artist, Jade Solomon Curtis, Keeper of Sadness is an expansive and versatile dance production, incorporating various artistic mediums. Thematically, the work delves into the profound and lasting impacts that transgenerational trauma, pervasive stereotypes, and overall erasure have impacted Black women today. This work is thoughtfully designed, with an all Black women ensemble and creative team, to transcend the boundaries of both conventional and unconventional performance spaces—centering Black women.
Friday, June 9 at 8:00 PM
Featured Artists: Akoiya Harris, Arif Gursel, Cristina Orbe, Jade Solomon Curtis, Jessica Pinkett, Lyn-Maria Boxill, Michele Dooley, Nia Amina-Minor, Nile Ruff
This residency is presented in partnership with
*WACO Off Stage, artist talk immediately following the performance
MEDIA
Friidom is a multidisciplinary movement artist, composer/choreographer, director, and actor, known for pioneering the cinematic-dance genre called “Epiic”
Black Hömer reveals an alternative window in which to explore—“Epiic”—poetry in motion. The Greek author and poet Homer has been noted as one of “the greatest of all time…” but to whose standards? Creator and choreographer Friidom Dunn wants audiences to recognize the Odyssey-like journey we each are on, and through Black Hömer invites you along the fantastical journey of his.
Currently living in Los Angeles, Friidom is on a mission to spread movement philosophy, raw expressive street dance, and stage movement by creating worlds that bridge divides. Consider Friidom the Willy Wonka of movement.
February 17 / 7:30 pm
February 18 / 7:30 pm*
Read our digital program here.
Featured Artists: Ambar Matos Ortiz, Blossom Wilder, Cassandra Torrez, Chris White, Dustin “DPayne” Payne, Enom Clayton, Indigo, James “Animated J’ Jimenez, Jesse Smith, John Freeland, Jr., John Nyboer, Jordan Sotero. Kae’dyn Levy (KD), Luz Gaitan, Malik “GVMBY” Bannister, Mode Korvidae, Rebekah “Beks” Denegal, Reshae Mackey, Rose Krol, Stéphen “Swizz” Banks, Tai Ryan, ThaooAishat Hasati (Miss Roots), Torrance Winder Valencia “Free” Stallings, Zion Elamin
*WACO Off Stage, artist talk immediately following the performance
MEDIA
