Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Black Grace documentary to air on PBS



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PBS television stations around the country will soon be airing a new documentary on Black Grace Dance Company, Black Grace: From Cannon's Creek to Jacob's Pillow. For the uninitiated, Black Grace is New Zealand's leading contemporary dance company and one of the world's only (other examples, anyone?) companies creating "Pacific-infused contemporary dance."

Black Grace was founded by the remarkable choreographer, Neil Ieremia, whose work embodies three important Samoan principles: Fa'amaoni (integrity, honesty and pride), Fa'amalosi/Loto Tele (perseverance and determination) and Fa'aloalo (humility and respect). Ieremia says of Black Grace:



"Art is an important part of who we are as a young nation. Our stories, ideas and expression of these are just as valid and important as those from Europe and America. Why can't a New Zealand dance company be the best in the world? We're the only ones standing in our way."

The documentary's PBS mini-site (see link above) features samples from the video of the company in performance, interviews with Black Grace founder Neil Ieremia and Jacob's Pillow Executive Director Ella Baff, and a link to purchase the DVD of the program.

So far, I have only been able to find one broadcast of Black Grace: From Cannon's Creek to Jacob's Pillow scheduled for the Eastern Mass., New Hampshire, Rhode Island PBS television axis: WGBH 44 will broadcast the documentary on Friday, June 22 at 5am. I'm guessing/hoping that more will follow in this area. For those elsewhere in the U.S., visit the PBS mini-site to search for your area.



The Celebrity Series of Boston will present Black Grace April 17 & 18, 2008, at the Tsai Performance Center at Boston University.

UPDATE: My friends at WGBH tell me that the Black Grace documentary will be aired a number of times later this season. Consider June 22 a sneak preview from the National Feed. Stay Tuned!



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