Photos: John Evans and Siggi Bachman
2019, 2021
Joan
Joan is a quartet celebrating power over tyranny, motivated by Julius Eastman’s score “The Holy Presence of Joan d’Arc”. The story of Joan d’Arc, a female warrior who is called by God to lead her army to victory against an occupying oppressor, is central to this dance. The French origins of this legend are reinterpreted to remember the history of the Maroons, Seminoles and other communities of revolutionary people who fought for their freedom against slavery and colonial rule. Flanking “Joan” are three saints who symbolize the spirits of her ancestors who guide and fight by her side.
Originally choreographed as a duet for Oluwadamilare Ayorinde and Bria Bacon, the duet Joan premiered and was commissioned by the Elizabeth Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA in October 2019.
Joan is a quartet celebrating power over tyranny, motivated by Julius Eastman’s score “The Holy Presence of Joan d’Arc”. The story of Joan d’Arc, a female warrior who is called by God to lead her army to victory against an occupying oppressor, is central to this dance. The French origins of this legend are reinterpreted to remember the history of the Maroons, Seminoles and other communities of revolutionary people who fought for their freedom against slavery and colonial rule. Flanking “Joan” are three saints who symbolize the spirits of her ancestors who guide and fight by her side.
Originally choreographed as a duet for Oluwadamilare Ayorinde and Bria Bacon, the duet Joan premiered and was commissioned by the Elizabeth Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA in October 2019.
| Choreographed by | Kyle Marshall |
| Original performers | Oluwadamilare Ayorinde and Bria Bacon |
| Current performers | Bree Breeden, David Lee Parker, Taína Lyons, Ariana Speight |
| Music by | Julius Eastman |
| Lighting design by | Itohan Edoloyi |