AYODELE CASEL: FREEDOM…IN PROGRESS (V.2)

Friday, September 19, 7 PM, with post-show talk led by Kayla Farrish
Saturday, September 20, 4 PM
Black Box Theater, Studio Complex (indoors)

Photo by Steven Pisano

Presented in partnership with Works + Process LaunchPAD.

Following last year's critically acclaimed phenomenon Freedom…In Progress, tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel returns to the electrifying 1979 improvisation of jazz legends Max Roach and Cecil Taylor—meeting their fearless exchange with her own blend of rhythmic love, precision, and liberation. Also joining her in an early exploration of a new work is tap artist Naomi Funaki.

Casel is sought after as a “tap dancer and choreographer of extraordinary depth,” and a “force of wit and wonder” (New York Times). Known for her highly skilled and expansive improvisation, Casel’s projects include her concert and Bessie Award-winning film Chasing Magic, and her Drama Desk-nominated work as tap choreographer for the Broadway revival of Funny Girl.

The performance on Friday, September 19 will include a post-show artists talk led by fellow festival artist Kayla Farrish.

This project is made possible, in part, through funding from the County of Dutchess and Destination Dutchess (formerly Dutchess Tourism, Inc.) and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson.