“Comanche: Hero Complexities” on Sept 22

Theatre of Movement press release

On Friday, September 22 at 7pm, Duane Cyrus and Theatre of Movement will present a gala premiere performance titled “Comanche: Hero Complexities” in the UNCG Auditorium. The multidisciplinary performance is inspired by the heroic acts of Charles W. David Jr., a Caribbean-American United States Coast Guardsman who lost his life helping to save nearly 100 drowning servicemen in the icy waters off Greenland during World War II. The performance and other events throughout the year investigate the possible confluence of questions surrounding themes of rescue, self-sacrifice, and heroism when black male bodies are positioned in contemporary spaces. What does it mean to be a problem and a savior at the same time? And how do contemporary black bodies negotiate the dynamics that arise when intention meets perception?

The “Comanche: Hero Complexities” gala premiere performance will feature special guest performers and speakers including tap dancer Maurice Chestnut (Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk) and ballet star Brooklyn Mack who partnered Misty Copeland in Swan Lake at the Kennedy Center. The evening will include works choreographed, directed, or curated by Duane Cyrus in collaboration with local artists Joseph Johnson, Josephus III, and Justin TheBeloved, among others. “Comanche: Hero Complexities” represents a sustained goal of building inclusive communities, presenting high-profile professional performing artists, developing local artists, and establishing diverse programming within the Triad Community and beyond. Events for this project will continue through 2018 and include an art exhibit at Greensboro Project Space Sept. 1-20, prior to the gala premiere on Sept. 22. Duane Cyrus is an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He produces arts events nationally and internationally with his artists’ collective, Theatre of Movement. (theatreofmovement.org)

Tickets on Sale Aug. 1 at Triad Stage and UNCG Campus Box Offices.
Phone: 336-272-0160
Triad Stage Box Office: 232 South Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401.
Hours – M-F noon-6pm and Sat 2-6pm.

$20 General Adult Admission ($15 Adult Early Bird through Friday, Sept. 8)
$12 Senior/Students (with ID) and Children Under 18 ($10 Sr/Student/Child Early Bird through Friday, Sept. 8)
$9 UNCG Students
Special DISCOUNTS available for groups of 10 or more (contact Box Office)

Please note that the program and performers are subject to change.

For More Information Contact:
FOR TICKETS––Triad Stage Box Office: (336) 272-0160 or Scan Code
INFO––Theatre of Movement
(336) 906-6083
theatreofmovement.info@gmail.com
http://www.theatreofmovement.org/

Comanche: Hero Complexities is sponsored in part by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Provost’s Strategic Seed Grant for Vibrant Communities, College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean’s Discretionary Fund, UNCG Faculty First Summer Excellence Award, and the School of Dance. In association with the Poetry Project, Greensboro Project Space, UNCG African American and African Diaspora Studies Program, and UNCG Universities Libraries

Read more about Duane Cyrus and “Comanche” in “A Hero in Dance” in the fall 2016 Research Magazine