A Conversation with Alonzo King, Jason Moran, and Lisa Fischer about “Deep River” at Lincoln Center – Sky Bulletin

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An inspirational fusion of creativity burgeons as choreographer Alonzo King articulates, “Every beginning starts with an idea.” King’s ideology places the concept before the technique, shaping the latter to give life to the former. This approach leads to the creation of physical expressions of metaphysical thoughts.

Lincoln Center presents Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s ‘Deep River.’ Photo by Richard Termine

The enlightening conversation turns to Deep River, an evening-length work performed by King’s San Francisco-based dance company. King, a choreographer of profound depth, shares insights into his thoughts on creating ‘thought structures’ that manipulate the very energies in matter, a reflection of his own rich background and upbringing amid civil rights activism.

Kingly anecdotes about the introduction to yoga, meditation, and dance emphasize his intrinsic connection to art. King’s trajectory from an enthusiastic child dancer to a renowned choreographer, blending Eastern and Western philosophies, demonstrates a life woven through movement and expression.

The narrative of Deep River is amplified by its collaborators: award-winning jazz pianist Jason Moran and Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer. They contribute to the score’s tapestry, blending spirituals and poetic elements that align with King’s vision of reminding us of our innate power and potential.

Informing the intricate choreography is King’s openness to discovery within the workspace, seeking authenticity, resonance, and perhaps the unforeseen that elevates the creation. This ties with his holistic view of movement and sound as universal connectors, whether on earth or in the cosmos.

Adji Cissoko and Shuaib Elhassan. Photo by Richard Termine

Moran and Fischer detail their past collaborations with King, expressing admiration for his work and their synchronicity in creating. The rich exchange of ideas in crafting Deep River harnesses their joint experiences while drawing inspiration from a shared musical heritage and deep respect for the ancestral impact on their art.

The creation of Deep River, amidst the pandemic, stands testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication that has now led to a momentous debut at Lincoln Center. King, Moran, and Fischer share their anticipation and hope for the audience’s engagement and healing experience through their live performance.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s Deep River transcends mere performance to become a narrative of hope, fear, love, and unity—an embodiment of King, alongside the compounding talents of Moran and Fischer.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s Deep River is at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts’ Rose Theater on February 23 and 24 at 7:30 pm.

FAQs about “Deep River” and the Collaboration

What is the central idea behind Alonzo King’s choreography?
King’s work focuses on creating ‘thought structures’ that manipulate energies, reflecting his belief that idea precedes technique.
Who are Jason Moran and Lisa Fischer in relation to “Deep River”?
Jason Moran is a renowned jazz pianist who composed the score, and Lisa Fischer is a Grammy Award-winning vocalist featured in the work.
What are the key influences in the creation of “Deep River”?
The key influences include various spiritual music traditions and the individual backgrounds and philosophies of the collaborators.
Where and when will “Deep River” be performed at Lincoln Center?
It will be performed at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts’ Rose Theater on February 23 and 24 at 7:30 pm.
What is Alonzo King’s aspiration for audiences experiencing “Deep River”?
King wishes to remind audiences of their inner power and potential for overcoming obstacles through this performance.

Conclusion

The artistic journey of Alonzo King, Jason Moran, and Lisa Fischer culminating in the production of Deep River is a poetic communion of dance, music, and spiritual narrative. As the curtains rise at Lincoln Center, audiences are invited to witness a multisensory dialogue grounded in history, philosophy, and humanism. The collaboration offers a testament to the resilience and adaptability of artists, seeking to instill hope and evoke the latent power within each individual through the universal language of movement and sound.

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