Georgetown’s Black Movements Dance Theatre brings a complex set of issues and experiences to life in their newest show, Truth Be Told.
The performance—choreographed by BMDT’s Artistic Director Alfreda Davis, two professional guest artists, and the student performers themselves—uses a variety of dance styles to showcase the company’s talents. “We’re mainly a modern company, but we have a tap piece in the show. A lot of our movements are African-inspired. We have elements of ballet, jazz, and hip hop,” says Nicholas Tsusaki (SFS ‘15), one of BMDT’s student directors.
Truth Be Told’s concept was developed by Professor Davis, who collaborated with the dancers to build a set of pieces in which they can express themselves both individually and as a group. Davis said that the show is based in “not just the Civil Rights Movement of the sixties but what’s going on today in terms of police brutality, violence against African American men, Ferguson.” The dancers contribute more than movement to their pieces, engaging in research and soul-searching through the rehearsal process, which is reflected in the vibrancy of their dance. The show also uses other mediums, incorporating lighting sequences and projected images with compelling music to further its message.
In this multifaceted way, the show offers perspective on both pain and joy, often through the lens of African American culture. The Black Movements Dance Theatre works to express universal and individual truths through performance.
“We don’t just dance,” Davis said. “We like to tell stories.”
Gonda Theater
Feb. 27th and 28th, 8 PM
$10 general, $8 student
