Choreographic Statement:
"Heart and soul, body and mind ... but the very essence of our existence is spirit. What is it about the human spirit that produces the courage and the strength to beat insurmountable odds? To survive and endure despite unbelievable circumstances. Our spirit embodies the very essence of our existence. We believe it has been handed down from generation to generation. Beginning in Africa, the motherland, wherefore eons, we believe that the Creator heard us when we cried; saw us when we falter, and helped us along the way. And now more than ever, it is time for us to get back in touch with the spirit that lives inside us all. Because without it we are less than whole, but with it there is nothing that we cannot overcome, for the essence of our existence is spirit." – Sounds of Blackness

GRIOT'S JIVE is a response to the surge in gun violence in the city. It is a call to end the violence and reclaim our spirits.

Original Cast:
Allasane Fall, Motion, Sarah Anthony, Germaine Archer, Ayesatta Conteh, Karitha Cooke, Charmaine Headley, Arlene Henry, BaKari E. Lindsay, Julia Morris, Debbie Y. Nicholls-Skerritt, Marlene Richardson, Jason Ying, Kobena Aquaa Harrison, Richard "Popcorn" Cumberbatch, Waleed Hassan, Michael McDonald, Kwanza Msingwana, Nicole Brooks, Michelle Dennis, Susan Grogan, Tricia Hanson, Janisa Weekes, Kathryn Wellington-Duncan

Music:
Essential Elements, Kobena Aquaa Harrison, Waleed AbdulHamid

Text:
UMOVE – United Mother's Against Violence

Spoken Word:
"Motion"

Video:
Michael White

Video Editing:
Sonia Goddard