Click Here for More Articles on NEW YORK CITY...

Jaamil Olawale Kosoko Makes NYC Curatorial Debut in DNA's LateNite Series, 1/11 & 12

Dance New Amsterdam (DNA) champions experimentation in its rowdy DNA PRESENTS season LateNite series. Giving voice to artists working within the mediums of performance art, burlesque and experimental movement theater, DNA warmlywelcomes back Jaamil Olawale Kosoko, this time in his two-night New York City curatorial debut, other.explicit.bodies. Kosoko will perform a solo during the first night's performance. The show and its platform of otherness and eroticism are a direct extension of Kosoko's solo work other.explicit.body., which premiered at Harlem Stage E-moves in April 2012. Performances of other.explicit.bodies. are January 11 and 12. All shows are at 10 p.m.

Kosoko has carefully selected and arranged the artists in two programs for this LateNite series, selecting artists who evoke a deep investigation of physical, spiritual, and intellectual remembrance within the context of race, sexuality, gender, and economics. Program A, on January 11, includes performances by Lawrence Graham-Brown (NJ), Kate Watson-Wallace (PHL), Marjani Forte (NYC), Saul Ulerio (NYC), Rebecca Patek (NYC), and a solo by Kosoko (NYC/PHL). Program B includes performances by Graham-Brown (NJ), Holly Bass (DC), Megan Bridge (PHL), devynn emory (NYC),Jasmine Hearn (PGH), and Jen Rosenblit (NYC).

Visual and Performance Artist, Lawrence Graham-Brown will kick off both evenings by performing within the gallery space directlyoutside of DNA's theater, against the backdrop of his own art, as the audience arrives.

"This idea of interfacing the past with the present to re-imagine the future is an explicit force shared between all the artists showcasing in this series," says Kosoko. "While much of the work presented is abstract, placed together these pieces decode a narrative that is wild, spontaneous, sexy, absurd and comical."

Kosoko's opening-night-only solo explores a number of stereotypical tropes placed on the black male body, as Kosoko remains connected to a sculpture by a chain, amidst stacks of books. Like many of the performers included on this curated roster, Kosoko's solo playfully straddles the border of performance art and pure movement.

"DNA Presents' LateNite Series highlights our commitment to artists who create provocative and compelling works of dance and dance theater. This time Kosoko enters DNA as a member of our artistic team to focus on supporting the dance artist in the different iderations of self expression. Jaamil brings a lineup that will offer us a glimpse of a surprising, yet familiar and often warped world," says Artistic and Executive DirectorCatherine Peila.

Page 2 >>