Feeling the Love – Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE brings poignant dance to HT@MTC
October 24, 2017
When you ask Ronald K. Brown why his EVIDENCE dance company was established, he tells you they exist to move in honor of the great mystery of love. His passionate work and vision will come to life when Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE performs a selection of critically revered pieces on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 7:30 PM at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College (HT@MTC).
The New York Times describes the EVIDENCE choreography as, “Movement melted off shoulders and fingertips without effort. Power emanated from the inside and then flowed out with searing swiftness, the rare sort that isn’t ostentatious.”
“These dancers and this choreographer are just pure grace,” says Kristin Cobb, Executive Director at Harbison Theatre. “When we first met Ron in September for a site visit, I was captivated by his story. And now, after seeing his work, I’m even more intrigued.”
Ronald K. Brown grew up in Brooklyn, New York, but always had roots in the South. “I’m from several generations of family churches on my father’s side, and down in North Carolina on visits, I was actually encouraged to dance,” he says.
Dancing always pulsed through his veins. In 1985, Brown founded the Brooklyn-based EVIDENCE dance company. Its mission focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. Through dance, EVIDENCE provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African-American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms.
Another review from The New York Times explains, “The power of Ronald K. Brown’s choreography lies in its myriad layers… There is the undeniable way his propulsive movement crosses beyond the stage. Yes, this is the rare choreographer who makes you want to get up and dance.”
In the performance at HT@MTC, the company will perform three selections: “Four Corners,” “Grace,” and the world premiere of “New Conversations.” This moving performance is not to be missed. Tickets and information are available by calling the box office at 803.407.5011 or at www.HarbisonTheatre.org.
The troupe will also host multiple workshops during its visit to the Midlands, where participants are encouraged to take part in two unique, up-close opportunities with the company. EVIDENCE will hold a masterclass at the Godbold Center at Columbia College on Friday, November 3 at 7 PM and will host a free liturgical dance workshop at Bible Way Church of Atlas Road on Saturday, November 4 at 10 AM. All are welcome to participate, no matter what age, experience, or skill level. Additional details can be found at www.HarbisonTheatre.org.
This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the South Carolina Arts Commission.
Ticketing Details
Individual show tickets as well as packages are available at www.HarbisonTheatre.org. Buyers may also order tickets via phone at 803.407.5011 or in person at the Harbison Theatre Box Office, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. The box office also will open two hours prior to each show.
About Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College
Rooted in the performing arts, Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College offers programs and productions that encourage reflection, examination and discovery; and that provide entertainment, education and opportunity to professionals, learners and community members in all stages of life. To learn about upcoming events, purchase tickets, or pursue sponsorship and volunteer opportunities with Harbison Theatre, please visit harbisontheatre.org.
Harbison Theatre on Facebook: facebook.com/HarbisonTheatre
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About Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College (MTC) is a comprehensive, multi-campus, public, two-year college serving Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties of South Carolina. The fifth-largest provider of higher education in South Carolina and one of the largest providers of transfer students to the University of South Carolina, MTC enrolls approximately 15,000 credit students annually. The college’s Corporate and Continuing Education program, one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Southeast, annually enrolls approximately 15,000 students and provides continuing education to hundreds of area businesses each year. midlandstech.edu
