The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., will present Deeply Rooted Dance Theatera Chicago-based African-American contemporary dance companyin a one-night-only performance Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the theatre's Chicago Dance series.
The program features the world premiere of Q After Dark, a joyous celebration of the music of Chicago's legendary Quincy Jones. The Deeply Rooted dancers perform choreography by the company's artistic team: Artistic Director Nicole Clarke-Springer, Associate Artistic Director Gary Abbott, Creative/Executive Director Kevin Iega Jeff and Joshua L. Ishmonwith live music by a super-ensemble of musicians led by Sam Thousand.
In a company premiere by acclaimed choreographer Ulysses Dove, Deeply Rooted performs Vespers. Inspired by Dove's memories of his grandmother's place of worship, Vespers showcases the athleticism and grace of six female dancers propelled by Mikel Rouse's electronic score. The National Endowment for the Arts has approved a grant in the amount of $20,000 to support the commission of Deeply Rooted's performance of Vespers.
Completing the program are revivals of two works choreographed by Co-Founder and Creative/Executive Director Kevin Iega JeffAisatnaf, in which a woodland creature frolics to Ballet Fantasy for Strings and Harp, by Lee Holdridge; and Junto, a spirited celebration of unity set to music by Pat Metheny.
Tickets are $25—69; visit auditoriumtheatre.org.