MANCC Artist Reggie Wilson’s Moses(es) on Tour

FSU Residency Apprentice Yeman Brown rehearses with Fist and Heel Performance Group; photo by Chris Cameron

Hatchery Project artist Reggie Wilson is touring his recent production, Moses(es), a work that Wilson developed, in part, at MANCC in 2012. MANCC Research Associate Rachel Howell was able to travel to Milwaukee, WI for one of the performances, which was her first opportunity to see a finished work that had been developed during her time at MANCC. “Because MANCC residencies prioritize the creative process, it is rare for our staff to see a finished project,” Howell explained. Howell’s job at MANCC is to connect choreographers with a diverse range of resources that FSU and Tallahassee have to offer that can facilitate an artist’s research. This can include such things as meetings with academic scholars or experts in the community, organizing work-in-progress showings and supporting artists’ research through FSU’s library resources.

While in residence for Moses(es), Wilson met with two FSU scholars, Dr. Joseph Hellweg to discuss the Zar tradition and how cultures differently construct the figure of Moses, and Dr. Jerrilyn McGregory to examine the scholarship and artistry of Zora Neale Hurston. Wilson also engaged a cross disciplinary section of FSU students, inviting them into the studio to view rehearsals and asking them to create an artistic response from their experience. The work-in-progress showing of Moses(es) at the end of the residency drew a large audience of students, scholars and community members who were invited to view the early stages of the performance. “This was a really special project involving two FSU professors, six students from across campus and a Residency Apprentice, School of Dance student, Yeman Brown, who now dances with the company, so it was a thrill to see how the work continued to evolve after having been at MANCC,” remarked Howell.

Wilson came to MANCC as part of the Hatchery Project, one of four artists in a pilot program offering sustained residency support for choreographers. Wilson, along with Big Dance Theater, Beth Gill and luciana achugar, received residency support over a three year period from MANCC, Vermont Performance Lab, RED Arts Project and The Chocolate Factory. Wilson and alum Yeman Brown were again in residence at MANCC in April 2015, developing his newest work, CITIZEN.

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