The world premiere of Nick Cave’s Up Right performance series

Presented in two-parts, the first, energetic and celebratory, is typical of Cave’s previous work as twelve dancers, led by the ‘drum major’ and accompanied by a six-member drum-line, invade the performance space. Costumed in brilliant multi-colored rafia and hair Soundsuits the dancers leap and weave through the audience, to the stage.

The second part, haunting and ritualistic, features seven ‘initiates’ dressed by seven ‘practitioners.’ Cave describes this work as a ‘call to arms, head and heart’ for the initiates – the lead African American male characters of this work. The initiates are sculpted, piece by hand-crafted piece, in the Soundsuits, readying mind, body, and spirit to face the forces that stand in the way of their selfhood. Fully adorned the initiates become warriors, active in their own destiny.

Cave worked with T. Lang, assistant professor of dance at Spelman College and artistic director of T. Lang Dance. Lang choreographed the dance sequence and auditioned and cast twenty-nine Atlanta artists — dancers, performers, and musicians — for for this event.

Premiere: April 24–26, 2015 Ponce City Market, Atlanta

CREDITS

Choreography and Casting: T. Lang

Music Composition: Che Marshall (drums) and Stephon Ferguson (piano)

Drum Line: Forzando Funk

Photography: Thom Baker and Rafterman Photography

Films: Proper Medium