US Debut of African Women Choreographers

Voices of Strength: Two Programs of Dance and Theater by Women from Africa. To open its 2012-13 season, The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago presents the U.S. debut of Voices of Strength, a two-program mini-festival of African women choreographers. Program A: Thursday* and Friday, Sept. 13 and 14, 8 p.m. Program B: Saturday, Sept. 15, 3 & 8 p.m. A two-program “mini-festival” celebrating the stylistic diversity and talent of African women artists. From dance rooted in tradition to cutting-edge performance that makes satirical use of classical conventions, the five choreographers—Kettly Noël, Nelisiwe Xaba, Nadia Beugré, Maria Helena Pinto and Bouchra Ouizguen—employ humor, irony, poignancy and power to reference personal obstacles as well as political and social themes, as they articulate women’s struggles toward empowerment. The artists on this program have received numerous awards in Africa and Europe but have had little exposure in the United States. There will be a post-performance conversation with the artists, free and open to ticket holders. $26–30