Bill T. Jones

African-American documentary filmmaker Marlon Riggs was working on this final film as he died from AIDS-related complications in 1994; he addresses the camera from his hospital bed in several scenes. The film directly addresses sexism and homophobia within the black community, with snippets of misogynistic and anti-gay slurs from popular hip-hop songs juxtaposed with interviews with African-American intellectuals and political theorists, including Cornel West, bell hooks and Angela Davis.

Set in late 19th-century Germany, Spring Awakening tells the story of teenagers discovering the inner and outer tumult of teenage sexuality and adolescence. Suppressed by an unyielding and repressive adult society, the youths turn to rock music as a vessel to voice their desires, fears, and rebellious spirits.

A provocative and wholly unique hybrid of dance, theatre and music, FELA! explores the world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Winner of three 2010 Tony Awards including Best Choreography (Bill T. Jones). Featuring many of Fela Kuti’s most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones’ visionary staging, FELA! – an original new creation – comes via Broadway to London and the National Theatre. FELA! explores the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), FELA! reveals Kuti’s controversial life as an artist and political activist.

On four consecutive evenings between September 30 and October 3, 1982, Award-winning choreographer/dancer Bill T. Jones presented four dance pieces at The Kitchen. The documentation of those dances represents a snapshot of the early 1980s dance scene.