By Ally Tayag Ricarte
PearlArts Studios
THANK YOU FOR A MEMORABLE RUN!
There are so many to thank for this experience and process.
We would like to begin by thanking the dancers, LaTrea, Jessica, Chandler, Raven and Lindsay, whose creative voices are huge throughout this work. We are grateful for their generosity, patience and virtuosity. Thank you to our administrative team, Ally, Simon, Layne who keep us organized and well seen. Thank you to the vocalists and producers, the designers, and the stage crew.
An extra special thank you to the two presenting organizations Janis Burley Wilson and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and Joseph Hall and the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater and their colleagues. We have been so well cared for first in our mutual-aid and technical residency at the Kelly-Strayhorn, then in production here at the lovely AWAACC. This process and planning started a year ago, during a time of complete uncertainty. Thank you for trusting us and making space and time for us to practice and share what we do. Janis and Joseph, we see you and commend you. We thank you for all you bring to this city and beyond, and we recognize the extra work it takes to run a successful Black Arts Organization. Bravo. Finally, we are sad yet excited for the next chapter in the lives of two who have given us so much over the years.
Kitoko Chargois, thank you for wearing so many hats, helping create systems and beautifully photographing our work. We wish you the best in all your endeavors. Jessica, where to begin. Thank you for your stunning artistry and meaningful collaboration. Thanks for being a creative partner and friend and for your huge part in getting us out in the world on tour. We will miss your calm, reasonable voice. We wish you all the happiness the world has to offer. We love each of you and hold space for you ALWAYS!
-Staycee & Herman Pearl
Photo Credits: Lindsay B. Garvin
CIRCLES is a National Performance Network (NPN) Creation & Development Fund Project co-commissioned by Kelly Strayhorn Theater, The Joyce Theater, and NPN. More information: www.npnweb.org. CIRCLES was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Co-commissioning Partners are Kelly Strayhorn Theater, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and The Joyce Theater. The development of CIRCLES is made possible in part by the National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron (NCCAkron). CIRCLES is supported in part by The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Fund, Heinz Endowments, and The Opportunity Fund.