Let ‘im Move You: A Study (2013/2016) and Let ‘im Move You: This Is a Success (2016)

Friday, June 8, 9:30pm 
Saturday, June 9, 9:30pm 
 
Run Time: 60 minutes 
 
Hollins University, Theater
Roanoke, Virginia
FREE

Let ‘im Move You is a series of works choreographed by jumatatu m. poe & Jermone “Donte” Beacham that stem from the artists’ seven-year research into J-Sette performance, the performance of joy and the conundrum of Black joy. The series currently consists of three live performance works and an installation. 
 
A Study uses J-Sette movement and performance structures as jumping-off points for experimentation with the role of strategy in collaborative creation and presentation. Rhythm, pattern, and attention become mechanisms for the artists to situate themselves in play, and to frame a movement conversation with primarily White audiences. 
 
This Is a Success explores J-Sette in relation to notions of African-American exceptionalism as expressed through middle class, Black American values reiterated within the J-Sette form. The work continues the artists’ research of rhythm as a vehicle into both subversion and satisfaction.
 

A Study was first developed in a residency through Kultursekretariat’s Tanzrecherche NRW program at Kulturforum Alte Post in Neuss, Germany. The Let ‘im Move You body of work to date has been made possible through a residency at the 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica with support from a Pew Center for Arts & Heritage Fellowship in the Arts.

Photo by Theo Cote