Oxana Chi presents "I Step On Air" at Dixon Place
Company:
Oxana Chi
Dixon Place presents a mind-blowing dance-music-word tribute to Afro-German poet and activist May Ayim. Oxana Chi & Layla Zami take you on a poetic-political journey back to the roots... or into Afropolitan futures? Show (in English) will be followed by a performance from artist/scholar Rosamond S. King.
USA Premiere ! One night only !
Oxana Chi brings May Ayim's memory back to the stage, recalling her love of words and her lifelong struggle. The energetic and graceful choreography draws from Oxana's self-created 'fusion' dance, blending Romani Flamenco, West African and South American dances with contemporary movements and theatrical expressions. She is accompanied on stage by Layla Zami who performs poetry by May Ayim as well as her own compositions alternating between jazzy saxophone airs, experimental sounds, and soothing melodies on Senegalese and Mexican kalimbas. Embedding their own cultural heritage with May Ayim's legacy, the artists use a broad emotional range to express a strong political message. An entertaining and meditative show, which creates an intimate and liberating universe.
“outstanding avant-garde... a must-see for all culture-loving New Yorkers”. African-American poet Sadiq Bey (Berlin/Detroit)
Choreography, Dance, Concept : Oxana Chi
Live-Music (saxophone, kalimba, sounds) & Spoken Word : Layla Zami
Text by May Ayim (translated into English by Prof. Marion Kraft & Layla Zami)
Costume design : Oxana Chi & Layla Zami
Co-production : li:chi verein
Oxana Chi is a choreographer and dancer of Eastern Nigerian and Eastern European descent. She has been directing her award-winning company based in Berlin since 1991. Currently an artist-in-residency at Arts And Healing Center directed by Marlies Yearby (Tony-award for Rent!).
Read more about the performance
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