choreographed by Mary-Pat Henry
"Southern Exposure" is a multi-media dance/ theater work by Mary Pat Henry, inspired by the photographs and artwork of renowned artist William Christenberry’s "Klan Room". Drawing on the striking images of Christenberry and the memories of Mary Pat Henry, growing up the in South during desegregation, "Southern Exposure" asks us to question “prejudice” and look back to history to see who we were and who we are now.
Set on the artists of the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company and using the pop music from the 60’s, social conscious jazz artists such as Nina Simone, gospel artists, and an original score , in collaboration with the Marrs Sound Archives, "Southern Exposure" is a music journey to an era and a people that defined America at its best and its worst. With original film by video artists Steven Cadie and scenic/costume designer Antonia Roberts, "Southern Exposure" embodies, visually, a pivotal time in America full of social graces and racial prejudice.
Whether it is racial injustice or prejudice concerning gender, political, or cultural bias, "Southern Exposure" hopes to create an open dialogue in communities. This thirty minute work will be performed in collaboration with other works such as "Trains" by Mary Pat Henry to the music of Stephen Reich about the trains bound for the Nazi concentration camps, "Church of Nations" by Kevin Iega Jeff that questions the idea, "Is there such a thing as a just and holy war?", and the light hearted and humorous "Whispering Bench" by Mary Pat Henry looking at gossip and its effects.
The performance will include a community component with community leaders/activists with seminars to dialogue about prejudice, as well as open discussions with high school students who will attend the concert.