Jacksonville Dance Theatre (JDT) continues its innovative 13th season with RENDER, an evening of boundary-pushing contemporary modern dance works presented at The Florida Ballet. This intimate performance series will run for four shows on Feb. 1-2 at the Picinich-Byrd Theatre.
RENDER features a triple bill of new, non-traditional dance works from commissioned artists Eboné Amos, Theresa Jimmerson and James Morrow, each bringing their unique artistic vision to create an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
“RENDER represents a crucial moment in JDT’s artistic evolution,” said Rebecca R. Levy, JDT’s artistic director. “By bringing together these three distinctive choreographic voices in the intimate setting of the Picinich-Byrd Theatre, we’re creating an environment where audiences can experience the cutting edge of contemporary modern dance up close. Each piece challenges our understanding of what dance can be and say.”
Amos, assistant professor of African-American studies in the Theatre and Dance Department at Austin Peay State University, presents “cabins in the sky,” a work that explores the transformative power of the Black radical imagination through movement. Amos, who has performed with renowned artists, including Debbie Allen and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, brings her unique blend of cultural storytelling and avant-garde movement to explore how embodied practice might translate visionary thinking into concrete change.
New York-based German choreographer Jimmerson’s “Stuffocation” examines materialism and identity through sinuous physicality. Inspired by James Wallman’s book, the piece explores how a relationship with material possessions affects one’s sense of self. Drawing from her background as a member of a family of professional musicians, Jimmerson creates work that captures complex layers of human experience through highly physical movement.
Morrow, an internationally recognized award-winning choreographer and founder of james morrow/THE MOVEMENT, presents “Machine Girl,” an immersive multimedia work exploring artificial intelligence. Known for developing the “Urban Fusion” movement style and bringing together street dance, modern and contemporary elements, Morrow’s piece investigates the evolution of AI and its implications for human control and consciousness.
“Creating ‘cabins in the sky’ with Jacksonville Dance Theatre has been truly remarkable,” said Amos. “The dancers’ willingness to dive into challenging material, combined with their technical excellence, has allowed us to create something that speaks to both the heart and mind. JDT's dedication to pushing boundaries while staying true to cultural storytelling makes this collaboration especially meaningful. Together, we're showing how dance can be a powerful force for transformation and connection."
RENDER will be presented at 6 and 8 p.m. Feb. 1, and 1 and 3 p.m. Feb. 2 at The Picinich-Byrd Theatre at The Florida Ballet, 10131 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville.
Tickets are $35 per person. Quantities are limited for each performance. Purchase tickets at jacksonvilledancetheatre.org/render.