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Joyce Owens, Artistic Historian, Curator and Award-Winning Painter, Named Signature Poster Artist for DanceAfrica Chicago 2005 |
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CHICAGO (August 18, 2005)- Columbia College Chicago's DanceAfrica Chicago is pleased to announce Joyce Owens as the signature poster artist for the 15th annual anniversary of the Festival. The piece entitled, Old Rhythms, New Beats, is the distinguishing image used on the signature poster and other key DanceAfrica Chicago materials. The image is seen adorning the stage for three days of magnificent main-stage performances at this year's production of SANKOFA, Friday-Sunday, October 21, 22, and 23, at The Chicago Theatre, located 175 N. State Street throughout the entire festival. Award-winning painter Joyce Owens creates two and three-dimensional works on canvas and wood. Owens has been engaged in creating historic images since she was a college student. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Howard University and Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from Yale University. "My paintings in general, deal with my concerns about African American life and the distortions and omissions evident to anyone who thinks about and questions concepts and so-called "facts" of American history as generally presented," describes Owens. "SANKOFA" is a West African word that means looking back to move forward. "Sankofa implies learning history's lessons; specifically it is the admonition that we learn from our past and build on that knowledge to create a greater future," explains Owens. "I am deeply honored and grateful to be selected as the signature poster artist for DanceAfrica 2005. I feel that this opportunity is DanceAfrica's way of telling the world that my work is worth seeing because it is a tangible representation of an important idea." This year's featured performers are chosen to bring life to the meaning of "SANKOFA." Each group demonstrates the distinct ability to creatively articulate their individual messages through sound and movement. Under Davis's artistic instructions 6 critically acclaimed performance ensembles will set the state on fire at The Chicago Theatre. PROPHETS OF DA CITY(Cape Town, South Africa) Undisputedly, South Africa's foremost Hip Hop/Rap/Break-dancing act, P.O.C. blends African sounds and rhythms, funky beats and authentic South African accents. AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE (Durham, NC) AADE celebrates traditional African culture, aesthetics and values through their dramatic staging, exciting rhythms, masterful choreography and colorful costumes. This ensemble creates an artistic experience difficult to forget. PROPHETS OF DA CITY (Cape Town, South Africa) Undisputedly, South Africa's foremost Hip Hop/Rap/Break-dancing act, P.O.C. blends African sounds and rhythms, funky beats and authentic South African accents. NDERE TROUPE(Kampala, Uganda) Also known as the "flute troupe," Ndere performs a repertoire of more than 40 authentic Ugandan dances and songs accompanied by various indigenous percussive, stringed and wind instruments. RENNIE HARRIS PUREMOVEMENT(Philadelphia, PA) RHPM's work encompasses rich and diverse African-American traditions of the past while simultaneously presenting the voice of a new generation, while encouraging young dancers to share their enthusiasm for hip-hop dance theatre. MUNTU DANCE THEATRE(Chicago, IL) In the Bantu language, "Muntu" means "the essence of humanity." It's what the Company seeks to express in their work and to touch in their audiences. Muntu creates an atmosphere of communal participation, encouraging and inspiring audiences to join in the celebration! DEEPLY ROOTED DANCE THEATER (Chicago, IL) Deeply Rooted Dance Theater presents work that springs from an African-American tradition of dance and music to reveal inspiring and innovative expressions of contemporary life. The company's performances not only entertain but also ignite the emotions of audience of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Tickets are available by phoning Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1500, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, or in person at The Chicago Theatre box office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Center. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by calling the DanceAfrica Chicago office at (312) 344-7070. Special rates are available to all students with current student identification. DanceAfrica Chicago is the largest festival of African and African-American arts and culture in North America. Created by Columbia College Chicago and now entering its 15th year, DanceAfrica Chicago continues to uphold its single mission: To use the language of music and dance to expand the understanding and influence of African heritage on world cultures through education and the performing arts. |
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