We believe the arts serve as a voice for the people. Through creative expression artists confront injustice, transcend barriers, and create shared understanding. We believe it is important that the Modlin Center creates space for these important conversations.
Although the world has changed in how we gather at the moment, our mission to offer diverse and vibrant arts experiences that engage, inspire, and enrich our community has not changed.
Weekly, we will share performing arts experiences from Modlin Center artists that you can enjoy from your home. We will also highlight some of the work for which we are most proud — bringing arts-based educational experiences to University of Richmond students, area K-12 schools, Richmond community, and our patrons.
REFLECTIONS ON THE ENDURING HISTORY OF RACISM IN AMERICA
President Crutcher offers a personal reflection about racism in America and shares stories of fellow Spiders who are helping show the way forward.
While the Modlin Center may be closed, the show must go on. Click here for an ever-growing list of organizations that are offering free online visual and performing arts experiences.
photo by Ian Douglas
THE GETTIN'
KYLE ABRAHAM + A.I.M
Online | ends June 25
One of today's most in demand choreographers, Kyle Abraham is known for work that explores identity and personal history.
Abraham drew his inspiration for The Gettin' from the civil rights movement, social dancing, and jazz legend Max Roach's seminal album We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite, originally planned to be released in 1963 to mark the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation, but released earlier in 1960 response to the growing civil rights movement.
In describing the work, Abraham said, "I keep going back to Roach’s response when asked about the song, 'Freedom Day' – 'Freedom itself was so hard to grasp … we don’t really understand what it really is to be free.' At this point in my life, I am very well aware of the freedoms I possess. But as a Black Gay American man, I am equally aware of my limitations and those that exist for so many in a poly-phobic society of our current times."
Abraham was New York Live Arts' previous Randjelović/Stryker Resident Commissioned Artist. The Gettin' made its premiere in 2014 and is available on New York Live Arts' website through June 25, 2020.
JUNETEENTH, A FREEDOM CELEBRATION
ELEGBA FOLKLORE SOCIETY
Online | June 20, 5pm
Richmond's Elegba Folklore Society presents an online community celebration in honor of Juneteenth focusing on the theme," Independence Day Our Way." The online event invites attendees to engage in culture and history, connect with their community, and to feel joyful and empowered.
The celebration features the Elegba Folklore Society’s African dancers and drummers with theatrical performances featuring J. Ron Fleming and musical performances by Plunky Branch and Sam Reed. The evening will also showcase virtual cooking demonstrations and craft making tutorials for kids.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE
Richmond Public Library has a blog post, "What is Juneteenth" that provides historical information and resources for more in-depth learning. The National Museum of African American History and Culture has an excellent Juneteenth online presentation that includes a good mix of educational resources and activities.
VISITING ARTIST PROGRAM:
KYLE ABRAHAM + A.I.M
MacArthur fellow Kyle Abraham and A.I.M visited the Modlin Center for the Arts in 2015 for an in-depth residency that explored and reflected on civil rights milestones and the performance of protest through the company's work The Watershed and When the Wolves Came In.
The Watershed presents an exploration of freedom that references the emancipation following the Civil War, the political tumult of the 1960s, and the current civil rights challenges. When The Wolves Came In explores the historical legacy of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 20th anniversary of the abolishment of apartheid in South Africa.
University students studying in the Department of Theatre and Dance participated in several workshops that ranged from understanding their own uniqueness and ideologies to advanced movement techniques.
During a youth movement workshop and a community lecture-demonstration, local school children and their families created a choreography expressing their identity through the A.I.M movement aesthetic. The Modlin Center partnered with UR Downtown and Peter Paul Development Center (PPDC) to host a community workshop and dinner.
The evening performances were followed by post-performance Q&A discussions with the audiences moderated by Patricia Herrera, associate professor of theatre and Alicia Díaz, associate professor of dance.
Follow A.I.M on Facebook to learn about their A.I.MforChange initiative and virtual performance opportunities.
University of Richmond Experts Share Research, Knowledge, and Helpful Tips Related to COVID-19
From mathematical modeling of infectious disease to healthy eating to the economic impact,
Joanna Wares, associate professor of mathematics co-authored "Herd Immunity Won't Solve Our COVID-19 Problems" in The Conversation.
Faculty Experts Respond to Protests
UR faculty share their expertise and insight as protests continue following the death of George Floyd.
"At a Loss for Words After George Floyd: Three Actions in Lieu of Statements" authored by Patrice Rankine, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.
RVA VIRTUAL PRIDE MARKET
Online | June 27
An online shopping and awareness event to support, celebrate, and promote the visibility of Richmond’s LGBTQ+ makers, artists, small business owners, and organizations.
RICHMOND PRIDE RIDE
Virtual Map
Celebrate Pride Month and RVA Bike Month in a socially distanced way with Pride Ride. The ride has 20 stops that provide an opportunity to learn more about Richmond's important LGBTQ+ history.
CIVIL RIGHTS RICHMOND:
MUSEUM IN A BOX
University Museums is creating a free resource, Civil Rights Richmond: Museum in a Box that will be available both online soon and as a portable, physical resource (once COVID-19 dissipates).
Each box includes lesson plans based on the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) and relevant activities to encourage discussion, observation, and investigation. If would like to be notified when this resource is available, please contact Martha Wright, assistant curator of academic and public engagement.
LEARN MORE
Made possible by grant funding from Virginia Humanities
INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS
For information on performances that have been canceled, please visit our website.
Account credits and refunds have been processed for all performances from March 14, 2020. For questions or inquiries regarding account credits and refunds for tickets to canceled performances, please email the ticket office at modlinarts@richmond.edu.
"PRIDE" PLAYLIST
Our COVID-19 playlist this week commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Pride traditions and celebrates all of the extraordinary people in LGBTQ+ community. The Stonewall Uprising signified the beginning of a fight for equality that is still ongoing. We at the Modlin Center stand with you in that fight and remain committed to making our center a safe and welcoming place for all.
Lady Gaga “Born This Way”
Diana Ross “I’m Coming Out”
Lowell “LGBT”
Billy Joel “Just the Way You Are”
Panic at the Disco “Girls/Girls/Boys”
Kylie Minogue “Raining Glitter”
Sufjan Stevens “Love Yourself”
Madonna “I Rise”
Cyndi Lauper “True Colors”
Christina Aguilera “Beautiful”
Against Me! “True Trans Soul Rebel”
Arcade Fire “We Exist”
RuPaul “Sissy That Walk”
Kacey Musgraves “Follow Your Arrow”
P!nk “Raise Your Glass
Sara Bareilles “Brave”
James Blunt “You’re Beautiful”
Donna Summer “I Feel Love”
Queen “Don’t Stop Me Now”
