Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Open DoorCryExodusRevelations

In a wonderful showcase of African-American choreographers, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will open its one-night only performance with a new Cuban-inspired work Open Door, by Ronald K. Brown. Inspired by a recent trip to Cuba, Brown’s Open Door explores the power of dance and music as a vehicle for compassion utilizing songs from Cuba: The Conversation Continues. The piecewill be followed by the classic fan-favorite, Cry. This iconic solo takes audiences on a journey of bitter sorrow, brutal hardship, and ecstatic joy. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said, “One of Ailey’s masterpieces… Cry is Ailey’s tribute to black women everywhere – their joys, their sorrows, their hardships, their strength. The work… never pales.”

The repertory also includes Exodus, a new work by hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris. Set to gospel and house music along with spoken word, Exodus is Harris’ invitation to explore hip-hop as a “celebration of life,” through returning to spiritual basics.

Closing out the show is Ailey’s signature masterpiece, Revelations, hailed as “one of the great works of the human spirit.” Debuting in 1960, Revelations is inspired by Ailey’s childhood and explores the grief and joy of the natural human condition. With consistent grace, spiritual elation, and elegance, Revelations has been seen by more people worldwide than any other existing modern work.