The southeastern region is always anticipating the Atlanta Ballet’s new works. Often selling out in advance, the nationally recognized company premieres several compositions a year. Their latest work, Ignition, premieres May 13–15 at the Alliance Stage at the Woodruff Arts Center. Ignition features three distinct ballet movements, each with separate choreographers and composers: Flux, Quietly Walking and Home In 7.
A thoughtful expression of dance, spoken word and music, Home In 7 is the vision of Morehouse College alum Marc Bamuthi Joseph. A National Poetry Slam champion, featured artist on Russell Simmons’ “Def Poetry Jam” on HBO and a Broadway veteran, Joseph reflected on his time in Atlanta during the conception phase of this groundbreaking work. Home In 7 has seven parts, each with themes that are uniquely identifiable to Atlanta, most notably “Home of the Braves,” “Atlanta Child,” “Red Clay” and “Phoenix.”
Classically trained, hip-hop-influenced violinist, composer and band leader Daniel Bernard Roumain, who will perform live with the dancers and Joseph, wrote the music for Home In 7, and Amy Seiwert, choreographer in residence for the Smuin Ballet and artistic director of Imagery Contemporary Ballet, choreographed it. –a. robinson
What year did you graduate from Morehouse?
I graduated in 1997.
Tell us more about your time on Broadway.
I was in the company of The Tap Dance Kid in the 1980s and performed in Bill Cain’s first play, Stand-Up Tragedy in the ’90s.
Why was your time in Atlanta the impetus for Home In 7?
I attended Morehouse in the years leading up to the staging of the Olympic Games and was radically inspired by the intersection of economic growth, black civic leadership and cultural transition. Beyond my own time here, I honor the historic and present role that the city has had in shaping American culture and wanted to celebrate the textures of the city that you don’t necessarily see in the Hartsfield [Airport] postcard shop.
You’ve lived in New York City, Atlanta, and now, Oakland. What attracted you to Oakland?
Perfect weather, progressive politics, amazing food, pretty people …
