Ronald K. Brown's EVIDENCE Tells a Powerful Story

By Neil Armstrong

A Review

Photo credit: Lelund Durond Thompson      "Four Corners" by Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE (New York)

Ronald K. Brown’s EVIDENCE, a dance company based in Brooklyn, New York presented three wonderful performances at the Fleck Dance Theatre at Harbourfront Centre on February 2 and 3. This was dance Immersion’s 2018 showcase presentation.

Creating an atmosphere of connection, EVIDENCE blends traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. It uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in contemporary African culture, and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms.

Patrons in attendance witnessed the bounding leaps, passionate embraces, and elongated lines, signatures of Brown’s masterful movement which creates deeply emotional works with a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs.

“I hope that when people see the work, their spirits are lifted. I am interested in sharing perspectives through modern dance, theater and kinetic storytelling. I want my work to be evidence of these perspectives,” says Brown, the artistic director, in a media release.

The company performed three selected pieces from their repertory: “Four Corners,” “New Conversations,” and “Come Ye.”

“Four Corners” (2014/2016) with music by Carl Hancock Rux, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and North African vocalist Yacoub showcases Brown’s signature blend of modern dance and West African expression.

He envisions four angels standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds in this powerful and hope-filled journey of tribulation, devotion and triumph.

The dancers – Demetrius Burns, Arcell Cabuag, Shayla Caldwell, Courtney Paige Ross, Annique Roberts and Keon Thoulous – are well coordinated in their choreography moving in sync with each other, enhanced by the brilliant costume design of Keiko Voltaire and lighting design by Tsubsa Kamei.

“New Conversations” (2018) features an original score from composer Arturo O’Farrill with costume design by Keiko Voltaire and lighting design by Tsubasa Kamei.

The dance explores what is Devine and required for growth and understanding through the wisdom of women and female ancestors echoing tension, agitation and liberation.

It featured all the dancers mentioned above with the addition of Kevyn Ryan Butler and Janeill Cooper.

The performances ended with the powerful “Come Ye” (2003) which includes music by Nina Simone and Fela Anikulapo Kuti and a video collage by Robert Penn.

It’s a multimedia work utilizing 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.

"'Come Ye' is a call to all those living in fear, all those willing to fight for their lives, and ultimately, to peace as guide and warrior," notes a description of the work. 

The costumes by Omotayo Wunmi Olaiya and lighting by Brenda Gray wonderfully complemented the movements and mood of the dancers.

It was refreshing to see the inclusion of figures such as Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley and others across the African diaspora in Penn’s collage which made the connections about the liberation of Africans worldwide.

Photo credit: Saya Hishikawa     "Four Corners" (Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE)

Named one of the most profound choreographers of modern dance by The New York Times, Brown founded EVIDENCE (New York) in 1985 to promote the understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling.

EVIDENCE also brings arts education and cultural connections to local communities that have historically lacked these experiences.

On February 4, dance Immersion’s Workshop Series presented two public workshops (one for children and the other for adults) with Brown at the Theatre Studio 313, Dancemakers Studios in the Distillery District.

dance Immersion is a not-for-profit organization that produces, promotes and supports dancers and dances of the African Diaspora.

The organization was established in 1994 to address the need for additional presentation, skill development, and networking opportunities for dance artists of African descent.

Programs introduce various styles of dance and dance artists to the public through a variety of activities that provide a nurturing and supportive environment for professional and emerging dance artists who work and explore diverse styles and expressions. 

Artists seeking connections look to dance Immersion to bridge the gap and make it possible to develop their artistry on a global scale.