On a warm August evening, The Ford theater became a vessel for poignant storytelling as “The Just and the Blind” premiered to a captivated audience. Conceived and written by spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph, with an original score by composer Daniel Bernard Roumain, the multimedia performance blended poetry, music, dance, and projections to illuminate the often unseen and under-heard experiences of incarcerated youth and their families.
The evening began with introductions of the key performers who brought this narrative to life. Nia Andrews, a Los Angeles native and singer, expressed her honor at being part of the LA premiere. “You never know who’s listening to you,” she remarked, highlighting her journey as an underground artist. Drew Dollaz, a dancer renowned for his ability to bridge street and classical dance, recounted his 2018 collaboration with SOZO, the mother organization behind the production. “I always wanted to bridge the gap between street dance and classical,” Dollaz said, emphasizing his goal of bringing authenticity to the stage while maintaining the essence of street dance.
The performance was a masterclass in artistic execution and emotional resonance. From the moment the show began, the vibrant contrast of color palettes on the set immediately set a dynamic tone. Drew Dollaz’s dance was mesmerizing, his movements fluid and seamless, capturing deep emotion even as he brought street dance to a theatrical stage. His performance was a testament to his ability to merge different dance forms effortlessly.
Nia Andrews’s soulful voice transported the audience to the historical struggles of Black America. Each note she sang was imbued with a profound sense of history and emotion, resonating powerfully with everyone present.
Daniel Bernard Roumain’s musicianship was another highlight. His subtlety and precision on the 4-string violin, enhanced by stage-controlled sound effects, were nothing short of astonishing. As he transitioned to a 6-string violin, shocking us all with his virtuosity, he stunned us with his electric violin, imbuing electric guitar-like tones evoking the spirit of Hendrix, further deepening the performance’s emotional impact. Roumain’s versatility shone through as he also accompanied the performers on the grand piano, adding layers to the musical experience.
Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s spoken word performance was the heart of the narrative. His cadence and prose guided the audience through the complexities of being a Black man and father in America, each word carefully chosen to provoke thought and empathy. The interplay between Joseph and Dollaz was an intoxicating blend of visual and auditory art, while his collaboration with Roumain added another dimension of brilliance.
The staging, with its encompassing video projections, effectively represented the subject matter, making the performance not just a show but an immersive experience. The integration of multimedia elements created a powerful backdrop that enhanced the storytelling.
In essence, “The Just and the Blind” was a superbly crafted and deeply impactful performance. The synergy among the four cast members and collaborators created a richness that felt as if twenty people were on stage. It was an unforgettable experience, leaving the audience with a resonant message that lingered long after the final applause.
Photos taken at The Ford Theatre on August 2, 2024 ©AGENDA
ABOUT:
The Just and the Blind delves deeply into the often overlooked and unheard stories of incarcerated youth and the harsh realities their families endure. By focusing on the humanity of historically marginalized communities, it gives a voice to those affected and seeks to humanize Black and Brown children caught in the system. Presented as a short film series and a full-length multimedia performance, The Just and the Blind integrates poetry, music, movement, and visuals. This creative blend forms the basis for a curriculum aimed at fathers and sons divided by prison walls.
Conceived and penned by Marc Bamuthi Joseph, with an original score by Daniel Bernard Roumain, and directed by Michael John Garcés, The Just and the Blind tackles themes of racial profiling, sentencing, and the prison-industrial complex from the viewpoint of fathers of Black and Brown children. Commissioned by Carnegie Hall and showcased at the 2019 Create Justice Forum, The Just and the Blind was produced by SOZO with the support of the Ford Foundation. A special acknowledgment goes to Miami Light Project for their invaluable assistance. By bringing to light the experiences of these young individuals and their families, The Just and the Blind aims to create a framework for understanding and empathy, highlighting the unique voices within these communities.
