Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Arts & Issues, in cooperation with SIUE Xfest, is opening its 2018-19 season with an explosive display of African American dance, storytelling and universal themes that merge the traditional and modern in performances by Chicago’s Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT). DRDT will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 in SIUE’s Dunham Hall Theater.
DRDT collaborates with nationally renowned choreographers across the spectrum of modern, ballet and African dance to reflect contemporary voices.
“Arts & Issues is excited to collaborate again with the SIUE Theater and Dance Department on the 9th SIUE Xfest,” said Grant Andree, director of the Arts & Issues series. “Deeply Rooted Dance Theater performs the final show in this year’s festival. They have been called Chicago’s answer to Alvin Ailey. It should be a great performance.”
Jennifer Dunning of The New York Times wrote, “Greeted by the audience with an affectionate exuberance that swelled to roars of laughter and approval … performed with Deeply Rooted’s signature attention to detail, lithe technical skill and dramatic nuance.”
Tickets, which range from $15-$20, can be purchased at artsandissues.com, by phone at 1-866-698-4253 or at the Morris University Center (MUC) Welcome Desk.
The show is sponsored by Commerce Bank and is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
Arts & Issues is tied to the academic mission of the University and offers unique opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the community, to engage with performers and speakers through master classes and special sessions. For more than 34 years, SIUE’s Arts & Issues series has highlighted some of the world’s finest artists.
Photo: Chicago’s Deeply Rooted Dance Theater.