“The Fabric of Our Country” at Highways Performance Space ran for two nights this past weekend. I was lucky enough to attend on Saturday, February 24th. This is a lovely intimate show curated and told by Tashara Gavin-Moorehead.
Tashara Gavin-Moorehead in “Fabric of Our Country” – Photo by Joseph Gray.
“The history and stories of African American women told through the tradition of quilting,” is the overall theme of the evenings work. A short video showing quilting circles, indigenous art, families, children playing, and Grandmas rocking on a front porch among other nostalgic photos, starts the show and gives us a sense of place. The charming Ms. Moorehead, our Narrator, enters the stage carrying several pieces of fabric as she chats in a friendly manner with the audience like a favorite friend who has come to visit. Ostensibly, Ms. Moorehead is going to show us how to quilt. As she sews, she explains why there are no straight lines in African American quilting, “to make it harder for the evil spirits to get in,” and why certain colors were favored as “each color indicates a protective spirit.” Through her story we get a glimpse of how these quilters work together, support each other, laugh and forge friendships that last a lifetime. Ms. Moorehead draws the picture well as she brings us into this world.
Rain Chichester, Amber Cunnigan, Taylor Jackson and Malani Janel in “Fabric of Our Country – Photo by Joseph Gray.
Dressed in African print skirts and simple tops, the first of four dance pieces “Take me home my love,” choreographed by Malani Janel and danced by Rain Chichester, Amber Cunnigan, Taylor Jackson and Malani Janel, was a lovely way to bring dance into the story. The perfectly executed and easy-going style felt like a day on the beach with the hot sun beating down and the waves lapping on the shore. The choreography was sensual yet rhythmic with a Caribbean vibe imbued by these dancers with a sense of joy. Perhaps this piece was a sense memory of the land left behind. Whatever the motivation it was a calm breath of fresh air.
The next interlude brought a long video of Mary Ann Gavin, the grandmother of Ms. Moorehead, singing, preaching and dancing with family members. Clearly Ms. Gavin is the matriarch of this large family and though it was interesting and important to understand her background the segment began to falter when it went on for too long. Missing was anything related to quilting which seemed an odd oversight given the basis on which this show is predicated. Judicious editing is needed here.
Adronni Willis and John Santos in “Fabric of Our Country” – Photo by Joseph Gray.
When Ms. Moorehead returned to the stage, she brought renewed vitality and humor with her in the form of audience participation. Everyone joined in enthusiastically with hand jive, ham bone, clapping and rhythm games all of which were used traditionally to “bring in good energy.”
Smartly Ms. Moorehead quieted the raucous room by introducing “Black Onyx” a lyrical dance performed nicely by John Santos and Adronni Willis. With choreography by Keisha Clark-Booth and music by Bonjr, Daliwonga, Mellow and Sleazy and MJ, we follow the pair as they fall into love. Again, this is a very pleasant contemporary jazz piece that held the attention of the audience throughout. Though not technically difficult the choreography is smart as it fits perfectly in the wheelhouse of these dancers. Mr. Santos stood out particularly but both dancers gave it their all and brought a sweet romance to the stage.
Tashara Gavin-Moorehead in “Fabric of Our Country” – Photo by Joseph Gray.
“When my heart broke and I became whole” a monologue spoken by Ms. Moorehead led us into “Lover Man” the mournful Billie Holiday tune. Ms. Moorehead can also dance and here she brought her heartache to the stage in a simple yet effective solo. The dialogue which followed however, was the only moment in which it seemed that this talented actress/dancer was pushing too hard and therefore the final emotions felt forced and lacked subtlety. Letting the moment happen more organically might make for a stronger ending and allow the audience to ride along with her.
Alli Gray-Odeniyide, Aryeal Lands and Jamie Rush in “Fabric of Our Country” – Photo by Joseph Gray.
A return to dance brought “Extension of the Womb” by choreographer Alli Gray-Odeniyide to the stage. This effervescently alive piece featured Alli Gray-Odeniyide, Aryeal Lands and Jamie Rush as the mother and daughters’ trio. Afro-Jazz-Beat, Funk, Hip Hop and House were just a few of the terrifically well-choreographed dance styles that Ms. Odeniyide brought to the stage. With infectious music by Mumu Fresh this was the perfect up-beat ending to a terrific night of words, music and dance.
We never did learn how to make a quilt but we did learn that quilts tell a story and it is for us to preserve the memories of quilt makers from generation to generation. Tashara Gavin-Moorehead has curated a delightful show that I hope she will continue to develop so that we all may learn more about this traditional craft and the stories it tells.
To learn more about Highways Performance Space, please visit their website.
Written by Tam Warner for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Keisha Clark-Booth – Photo courtesy of the artist.
