The Joyce Presents Ronald K. Brown's Contemporary Dance Company EVIDENCE

The Joyce Theater Foundation, Inc. (Linda Shelton, Executive Director) is pleased to welcome the return of world renowned dancer and choreographer Ronald K. Brown and his groundbreaking contemporary dance company, EVIDENCE, from February 6-11 at The Joyce Theater. The mixed-bill program will include the world premiere of Den of Dreams, performed B. Brown with Arcell Cabuag, and the company premiere of Dancing Spirit. Tickets, ranging in price from $10-$46, can be purchased at www.Joyce.org, or by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800. Please note: ticket prices are subject to change. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at West 19th Street. For more information, please visit www.Joyce.org.

Ronald K. Brown, EVIDENCE is a Brooklyn-based dance company founded in 1985. Brown aims to introduce audiences to the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythm by using movement to reinforce the importance of community within African American culture. Every piece in the company's vast repertoire serves to provide a unique view of humanity - its struggles, tragedies, and triumphs, whilst seamlessly blending traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. Today, the company tours across the United States and around the globe, performing in countries such as Cuba, Brazil, England, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, Senegal, and Nigeria.

Returning to the Joyce after its successful July 2016 season, Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE will present a mixed bill featuring company classics, a company premiere, and an exciting world premiere. The evening will begin with March, an excerpt from Mr. Brown's 1995 creation Lessons, set to a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that speaks to the value of man. The company will also perform Mr. Brown's 2002 creation Come Ye. Inspired by the music and legacy of Nina Simone, this captivating piece utilizes a fusion of African, modern ballet, and social dance styles, summoning images of warriors, angels, and activists. Perhaps most anticipated will be the world premiere of Den of Dreams, a new duet that Mr. Brown will perform alongside Arcell Cabuag in celebration of Cabuag's 20th year with the company as its Associate Artistic Director.

The opening night performance (February 6) will conclude with a performance of Upside Down, an excerpt from the 1998 evening-length work Destiny. All other performances will end with the company premiere of Dancing Spirit. Created for and previously performed by Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Dancing Spirit is a tribute to Judith Jamison's profound influence and utilizes movement from Cuba, Brazil, and the United States.

Founded by Ronald K. Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, New York, EVIDENCE focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. The choreography 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. He is an advocate for the growth of the African American dance community and is instrumental in encouraging young dancers to choreograph and develop careers in dance.

Brown's choreography is in high demand. He has set works on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, Cleo Parker Robinson Ensemble, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Jennifer Muller/The Works, Jeune Ballet d'Afrique Noire, Ko-Thi Dance Company, PHILADANCO!, and others. He choreographed Regina Taylor's award-winning play, Crowns,and won an AUDELCO Award for his work on that production.

Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE now tours to over 25 communities in the United States and abroad. The company has traveled to Cuba, Brazil, England, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, and Canada to perform, teach master classes, and conduct lecture/demonstrations for individuals of all ages. Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE brings arts education and cultural connections to local communities that have historically lacked these experiences. Annually, the company reaches an audience of more than 25,000.

The Joyce Theater Foundation ("The Joyce," Executive Director, Linda Shelton), a non-profit organization, has proudly served the dance community for over three decades. Under the direction of founders Cora Cahan and Eliot Feld, Ballet Tech Foundation acquired and The Joyce renovated the Elgin Theater in Chelsea. Opening as The Joyce Theater in 1982, it was named in honor of Joyce Mertz, beloved daughter of LuEsther T. Mertz. It was LuEsther's clear, undaunted vision, and abundant generosity that made it imaginable and ultimately possible to build the theater. Ownership was secured by The Joyce in 2015. The theater is one of the only theaters built by dancers for dance and has provided an intimate and elegant home for over 400 U.S.-based and international companies. The Joyce has also presented dance at Lincoln Center since 2012, and launched Joyce Unleashed in 2014 to feature emerging and experimental artists. To further support the creation of new work, The Joyce maintains longstanding commissioning and residency programs. Local students and teachers (K-12th grade) benefit from its school program, and family and adult audiences get closer to dance with access to artists. The Joyce's annual season of about 48 weeks of dance now includes over 340 performances for audiences in excess of 150,000.

Performances of Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE will be February 6-11 at The Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue at West 19th Street) according to the following schedule: Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30pm; Thursday and Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm & 8pm; Sunday at 2pm. There will be a post-performance Curtain Chat with Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE on Wednesday, February 7, which is open to all patrons attending that evening's performance. The Joyce Theater School & Family Programs will host a Family Matinee performance at 2pm on Saturday, February 10, special discounts are available for children attending this performance.

Tickets to Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE range in price from $10-$46 and can be purchased at www.Joyce.org, or by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800. Please note: ticket prices are subject to change. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at West 19th Street. For more information, please visit www.Joyce.org.

Photo Credit: Lelund Durond Thompson

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