The College of Art & Architecture’s Digital Arts Center (d-Arts) is pleased to announce the presentation of two faculty research projects funded by 2016-2017 d-Arts Faculty Digital Making Grants: the dance film Shouting Echoes: A Reconstruction of Ring Shout Traditions and the multimedia performance With Signs Following.
During the Faculty Dance Concert (September 15 and 16 at 7:30 pm, Belk Theater in Robinson Hall), Assistant Professor of Dance Tamara Williams will present Shouting Echoes: A Reconstruction of Ring Shout Traditions. Shouting Echoes is a two-part dance film that investigates movement and space honoring ring shout traditions that were developed by enslaved African Americans in the Sea Islands of the American south. Filming of Part I, “Egun Speaks,” occurred on Sullivan's Island, the Aiken-Rhett slave quarters, and the pathway to Angel Oak in Charleston, SC. Part II, “Echoing,” was shot near Fort Moultrie, S.C., the port entry for many enslaved Africans into America; Magnolia Plantation in Charleston; Boone-Hall Plantations in Mount Pleasant, S.C.; and McLeod Plantation on James Island, S.C.
The performance of With Signs Following will take place on September 24 at 4:00 pm in Robinson 118, with an open dress rehearsal on September 23 at 6:00 pm. With Signs Following was conceived and produced by the collaborative team JesEriSha' – Assistant Professor of Music Jessica Lindsey (clarinet), Assistant Professor of Art (print media) Erik Waterkotte, and Music Director for Dance Shamou. The performance includes live music, improvisational dance by Associate Professor of Dance E.E. Balcos, and an original video work. Inspired by the concept of transfiguration, With Signs Following refers to the mimicry of ritual.
Tickets for the Faculty Dance Concert are $18, $12 for UNC Charlotte faculty and staff, $10 for seniors and veterans, and $8 for all students. The performance of With Signs Following is free.
Since the founding of the College of Arts + Architecture, the d-Arts Center has become a lively venue for collaborative, multi-disciplinary activity across the College. D-Arts projects fall into four primary categories: digital fabrication, urban visualization, responsive environments, and performance, with a focus on fostering collaboration between disciplines. Founded as the Digital Design Center by Professor of Architecture Eric Sauda, d-Arts is currently co-directed by Associate Professor of Architecture Chris Beokrem and Professor of Art (Digital Media) Heather D. Freeman.